US20090057384A1 - Carton for dispensing products and method of using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A carton for packaging containers is provided. The carton includes a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls. At least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end. The carton includes at least one detachable portion to be detached from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls. The at least one detachable portion to be detached from the carton defining an opening at the exiting end through which containers may be removed. The exiting end opening has a size. The carton includes upper and lower retention portions formed from the end wall at the exiting end. At least one of the upper and lower retention portions is hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates generally to cartons for packaging a product and, more particularly, to a carton having a closed end and an exiting end for dispensing containers stored within the carton and a method for using the carton.
• Cartons are oftentimes used to store, display, dispense and/or transport a product or a plurality of products, such as canned goods, pouched goods, or goods in flexible packages. Such cartons are usually at least partially constructed, filled with the products, and then sealed closed for transporting the products to a home, restaurant, or retail store. At least some known cartons are fashioned from a unitary blank of paperboard and are used by consumers to store the products either on a shelf, in a refrigerator, or in a pantry. At least some known cartons include a tear-away portion that allows a user to remove the tear-away portion from the carton to gain access to the products within the carton. These tear-away portions are often detached from the carton to create an opening within the carton for providing access to the products.
• In at least some known cartons, after the tear-away portion is detached and access to the products is provided, the carton is used to provide storage to the remaining products. In these known cartons, the size of the access opening must be limited so that the carton is able to continue to be used to store the remaining product. Accordingly, these known cartons typically provide restricted access to the remaining products because of the rigidity of the carton and because of the limited size of the access opening.
• Additionally, some known cartons with tear-away portions include a handle defined within a portion of the carton. Specifically, these handles allow the cartons to be transportable and stackable. However, these handles are easily torn or damaged, leaving the user with limited means to carry the carton.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• In one aspect, a carton for packaging a plurality of containers in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom row is provided. The carton includes a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls. At least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end. The carton further includes at least one detachable portion detachably formed from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls. The at least one detachable portion is to be detached from the carton to define an opening at the exiting end through which the containers may be removed. The exiting end opening has a size. The carton also includes an upper retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end. The upper retention portion extends downwardly from the top wall to an upper tear line of the detachable portion. The carton further includes a lower retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end. The lower retention portion extends upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the detachable portion. At least one of the upper and lower retention portions is hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.
• In a further aspect, a blank for forming a carton for packaging a plurality of containers arranged in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom row is provided. The blank includes a sheet of foldable material having first, second, third and fourth parallel fold lines therein, defining areas of the sheet corresponding to a top panel, two side panels and a bottom panel of the carton. At one end of the parallel fold lines, the blank further includes a fold line transverse to the parallel fold lines, and a side end flap connected by the transverse fold line to each of the areas corresponding to the two side panels. The blank also includes a tear line extending through each of the two side panels and each of the side end flaps to define a detachable portion, an upper retention portion, and a lower retention portion at an exiting end of the carton. The detachable portion may be detached from the carton to define an opening through which the containers may be removed. The tear line includes first and second arcuate sections and a horizontal section extending between the arcuate sections. The blank further includes a pair of hinge lines hingedly connecting at least one of the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion to at least one of the top panel and the bottom panel for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.
• In another aspect, a method of opening a carton containing a plurality of containers arranged in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom row is provided. The carton has a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls. At least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end. At least one detachable portion is detachably formed from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls. An upper retention portion is formed from the end wall extending downwardly from the top wall to an upper tear line of the detachable portion, and a lower retention portion is formed from the end wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the detachable portion. The method includes removing the at least one detachable portion to define an opening at the exiting end through which the containers may be removed. The exiting end opening has a size. The method further includes separating at least one of the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion along a pair of hinge lines such that at least one of the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion is hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall. The method also includes rotating at least one of the hingedly connected upper retention portion and lower retention portion for increasing the size of the exiting end opening when removing the containers from the carton.
• In a further aspect, a carton for packaging a plurality of containers in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom row is provided. The carton includes a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls. At least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end. The carton also includes at least one detachable portion detachably formed from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls. The at least one detachable portion to be detached from the carton to define an opening at the exiting end through which the containers may be removed. The exiting end opening has a size. The carton further includes an upper retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end. The upper retention portion extends downwardly from the top wall to an upper tear line of the detachable portion. The upper retention portion is hingedly connected to the top wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.
• In another aspect, a carton for packaging a plurality of containers in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom row is provided. The carton includes a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls. At least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end. The carton also includes at least one detachable portion detachably formed from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls. The at least one detachable portion to be detached from the carton to define an opening at the exiting end through which the containers may be removed. The exiting end opening has a size. The carton further includes a lower retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end. The lower retention portion extends upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the detachable portion. The lower retention portion is hingedly connected to the bottom wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.
• In a further aspect, a carton for packaging a plurality of containers in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom row is provided. The carton includes a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls. At least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end. The carton further includes at least one region of weakness detachably formed from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls. The at least one region of weakness to be detached from the carton to define an opening at the exiting end through which the containers may be removed, the exiting end opening having a size. The carton also includes an upper retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end. The upper retention portion extends downwardly from the top wall to an upper tear line of the region of weakness. The carton further includes the lower retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end. The lower retention portion extends upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the region of weakness. At least one of the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion is hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.
• In yet another aspect, a carton for packaging a plurality of packages is provided. The carton includes a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls. At least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end. The carton further includes at least one detachable portion detachably formed from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls. The at least one detachable portion is to be detached from the carton to define an opening at the exiting end through which the packages may be removed. The exiting end opening has a size. The carton also includes an upper retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end. The upper retention portion extends downwardly from the top wall to an upper tear line of the detachable portion. The carton further includes a lower retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end. The lower retention portion extends upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the detachable portion. At least one of the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion is hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the packages through the exiting end opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for constructing a carton according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carton in a closed configuration constructed from the blank shown inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a carton in an open configuration constructed from the blank shown inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for constructing a carton according to a first alternative embodiment.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a carton in a closed configuration constructed from the blank shown inFIG. 4.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a carton in an open configuration constructed from the blank shown inFIG. 4.
• FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for constructing a carton according to a second alternative embodiment.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a carton in a closed configuration constructed from the blank shown inFIG. 7.
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a carton in an open configuration constructed from the blank shown inFIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• The carton described herein includes at least one exiting end having a dispensing feature. The carton is configured to easily dispense containers or products stored within the carton. The containers or products are dispensed one at a time from the carton. For example, the containers or products may be, but are not limited to, canned products, products stored in pouches or other flexible packaging, bottled goods, and the like, and/or any combination thereof. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that the invention is likewise applicable to any suitable storage and/or display carton including, without limitation, a container, a tray or a box.
• The present application describes in detail, several specific embodiments of the carton, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
• When referring to the plan illustrations of the blanks, the usual drawing conventions are applied. That is, unless otherwise noted, broken lines indicate fold lines; scalloped lines indicate lines of weakness forming a tear strip or similar structure; and interior solid lines indicate through-cuts. In preferred embodiments, the blanks are fabricated from paperboard material, although other materials having similar suitable performance characteristics may be employed if desired.
• In one embodiment, the carton is fabricated from a paperboard material. The carton, however, may be fabricated using any suitable material, and therefore is not limited to a specific type of material. In alternative embodiments, the carton is fabricated using cardboard, corrugated board, plastic and/or any suitable material known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.
• The carton may have any suitable size, shape and/or configuration, i.e. number of sides, whether such sizes, shapes and/or configurations are described and/or illustrated herein. For example, in one embodiment, the carton includes a shape that provides functionality, such as a shape that facilitates transporting the carton and/or a shape that facilitates stacking and/or arrangement of a plurality of cartons.
• FIGS. 1,2, and3 illustrate the formation of one embodiment of a carton having a dispensing end. Specifically,FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a blank of sheet material designated in its entirety byelement reference number10.FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carton in a constructed configuration designated in its entirety byelement reference number11 constructed from blank10 shown inFIG. 1.FIG. 3 is a perspective view ofcarton11 in a constructed configuration from blank10 shown inFIG. 1 with a portion ofcarton11 torn away.
• Referring toFIG. 1, blank10 is configured to form acarton11 including at least one perforated line for forming an opening that allows access to the contents of the carton. In one embodiment, blank10 is made of paperboard. In an alternative embodiment, blank10 is made of cardboard, corrugated board, plastic and/or any suitable material.
• Blank10 has anexterior surface12 and an opposinginterior surface14. In one embodiment, blank10 includes a firstbottom panel20, afirst side panel22, atop panel24, asecond side panel26, and a secondbottom panel28. Firstbottom panel20 is hingedly coupled tofirst side panel22 along afold line30. In one embodiment, foldline30 includes a hinge line and/or a line of separation, such as a die cut, defined along a portion offold line30. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein that foldline30, as well as other fold lines described herein, may include any suitable line or lines of weakening. In one embodiment, at least twoopenings32 and34 formed alongfold line30.Openings32 and34 are sized to receive a user's finger therein.Openings32 and34 can be used to retrieve the carton from a shelf or other storage device when the carton is packed with at least one side wall exposed to the user.Openings32 and34 allow the user to insert a finger inside the carton for ease of retrieval.
• Firstbottom panel20 includes afirst end panel36, and an opposingsecond end panel38. In one embodiment, first andsecond end panels36 and38 extend outwardly from firstbottom panel20 and are hingedly coupled to firstbottom panel20 along substantiallyparallel fold lines40 and42, respectively. Foldlines40 and42 are transverse to foldline30. In one embodiment,first end panel36 includes apanel44 including at least threeedges46,48, and50.Panel44 is substantially rectangular in shape including at least three suitable lines of separation, such as perforated lines, defined along edges46,48, and50. In one embodiment,edge48 extends betweenedges46 and50.
• First side panel22 includes afirst end panel52, and an opposingsecond end panel54. First andsecond end panels52 and54 extend outwardly fromfirst side panel22 and are hingedly coupled tofirst side panel22 along substantiallyparallel fold lines56 and58, respectively. Foldlines56 and58 are transverse to foldline30.
• In one embodiment,first side panel22 further includes a line ofperforation60 that forms a first tear-away portion or adetachable portion61 having an arcuate shape. Line ofperforation60 extends between afirst end62 and asecond end64 whereinfirst end62 andsecond end64 are formed alongfold line58. Afinger opening66 extends outward from line ofperforation60 and is sized to receive a user's finger therein.Finger opening66 may include a panel positioned within the opening. Moreover, two substantially parallel lines of perforation or tearlines68 and70 extend outwardly from first and second ends62 and64, respectively, a distance D₁intosecond end panel54. Lines ofperforation68 and70 form a second tear-away portion or adetachable portion72 withinsecond end panel54. Furthermore,first side panel22 includes a line of perforation or ahinge line74 that extends outwardly from line ofperforation60 to foldline30. An angle θ is defined betweenhinge line74 and foldline30. For example, angle θ can range between approximately 90° and 150°. In a preferred embodiment, angle θ is between approximately 110° and 120°. Angle θ is any suitable angle that enablescarton11 to function as described herein.Hinge line74 includes a hook portion or acurvilinear portion76 that extends into and is defined within a portion of firstbottom panel20.Hook portion76 facilitates rotation of a portion ofcarton11 and prevents excessive tearing of the panels.
• First side panel22 is hingedly coupled totop panel24 along afold line78. In one embodiment,top panel24 includes ahandle80.Handle80 includes afirst handle panel82 and an opposingsecond handle panel84 that are separated by a line ofseparation86. In one embodiment, handle80 is configured to form an opening88 (shown inFIG. 6).Opening88 is defined by lines ofperforation90 and92 with lines ofseparation94 and96 extending between lines ofperforation90 and92. In one embodiment, line ofperforation90 extends into a portionfirst side panel22, and line ofperforation92 extends into a portion ofsecond side panel26 to prevent tearing ofhandle80. Moreover,top panel24 includes reinforcinglines98 and100 formed at a distance D₂from lines ofperforation90 and92, respectively. In one embodiment, reinforcinglines98 and100 are formed with a slight curvature wherein reinforcingline98 extends acrosstop panel24 and into a portion of first andsecond side panels22 and26, and reinforcingline100 extends acrosstop panel24 and into a portion of first andsecond side panels22 and26.
• Top panel24 further includes afirst end panel102, and an opposingsecond end panel104. In one embodiment, first andsecond end panels102 and104 extend outwardly fromtop panel24 and are hingedly coupled totop panel24 along substantiallyparallel fold lines106 and108, respectively. Foldlines106 and108 are transverse to foldline78.Handle80 is positioned betweenfold lines106 and108. Specifically, in one embodiment, handle80 is defined at a distance D₃fromfold line106, and at a distance D₄fromfold line108. Distances D₃and D₄are determined based upon the number of containers, products, or cans withincarton11.Handle80 and line ofseparation86 are strategically placed such that line ofseparation86 is positioned between the containers, products, or cans withincarton11. Specifically, a user may insert their fingers intohandle80 along line ofseparation86 such that their fingers are positioned between the containers, products, or cans enabling the user to carry and/ortransport carton11. For example, ifcarton11 has a top row of containers or products including approximately three containers or products, line ofseparation86 may be positioned between the first and second containers or between the second and third containers. As such, the position ofhandle80 may be dependent upon the number of containers, products, or cans withincarton11.
• In one embodiment,first end panel102 includes apanel110 including at least threeedges112,114, and116.Panel110 is substantially rectangular in shape including at least three suitable lines of separation, such as perforated lines, defined alongedges112,114, and116. In one embodiment,edge114 extends betweenedges112 and116.
• Top panel24 is hingedly coupled tosecond side panel26 along afold line118.Top panel24 includes afirst end panel120, and an opposingsecond end panel122. First andsecond end panels120 and122 extend outwardly fromsecond side panel26 and are hingedly coupled tosecond side panel26 along substantiallyparallel fold lines124 and126, respectively. Foldlines124 and126 are transverse to foldline118. In one embodiment,first end panel120 includes a pair of cut-awaycorners128 and130 to ease assembly ofcarton11.
• Second side panel26 is hingedly coupled to secondbottom panel28 along afold line131. In one embodiment,second side panel26 further includes a line ofperforation132 that is substantially similar to line ofperforation60. Line ofperforation132 forms a first tear-away portion or adetachable portion133 having an arcuate shape. Line ofperforation132 extends between afirst end134 and asecond end136 whereinfirst end134 andsecond end136 are formed alongfold line126. Afinger opening138, substantially similar to opening66, extends outward from line ofperforation132 such thatopening138 is sized to receive a user's finger therein.Finger opening138 may include a starting tab positioned within the opening. Moreover, two substantially parallel lines ofperforation140 and142 extend outwardly from first and second ends134 and136, respectively, a distance D₅intosecond end panel122. Lines ofperforation140 and142 form a second tear-away portion or adetachable portion144 withinsecond end panel122. Furthermore, a line of perforation or ahinge line146 extends outward from line ofperforation132 to foldline131. Angle θ is defined betweenhinge line146 and foldline131.Hinge line146 includes a hook portion or acurvilinear portion148 that extends into and is defined within a portion of secondbottom panel28. In one embodiment,hook portion148 facilitates rotation of a portion ofcarton11 and prevents excessive tearing of the panels. Moreover, in one embodiment, distances D₁and D₅are substantially equal.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view ofcarton11 constructed from blank10 shown inFIG. 1. More specifically,FIG. 2 showscarton11 in a constructed and closed configuration. Generally, the panels of blank10 are folded along respective fold lines towardsinterior surface14 of blank10. Firstbottom panel20,first side panel22,top panel24,second side panel26, and secondbottom panel28 are folded alongfold lines30,78,118, and131, respectively, towardsinterior surface14.Exterior surface12 of secondbottom panel28 is affixed tointerior surface14 of firstbottom panel20 using a suitable adhesive material. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that any suitable material and/or mechanism may be used to affix portions of blank10 together to formcarton11. In one embodiment,bottom panels20 and28 define abottom wall135.First side panel22 defines afirst side wall137,second side panel26 defines asecond side wall129, andtop panel24 defines atop wall141.
• End panels36 and102 are folded alongfold lines40 and106, respectively, towardsinterior surface14.End panels52 and120 are then folded alongfold lines56 and124, respectively, towardsinterior surface14.Interior surface14 ofend panel120 is affixed toexterior surfaces12 ofend panels36 and102, andinterior surface14 ofend panel52 is affixed toexterior surfaces12 ofend panels36,102, and120.End panels36,52,102, and120 define anend wall139. In one embodiment,end wall139 forms aclosed end145. Moreover,end panels38 and104 are folded alongfold lines42 and108, respectively, towardsinterior surface14, and endpanels54 and122 are folded alongfold lines58 and126, respectively, towardinterior surface14.Interior surface14 ofend panel122 is affixed to exterior surfaces ofend panels38 and104, andinterior surface14 ofend panel54 is affixed toexterior surfaces12 ofend panels38,104, and122 to maintaincarton11 in a constructed configuration. In one embodiment, in the constructed configuration,end panel120 overlaps a portion ofend panel52, and endpanel54 overlaps a portion ofend panel122.End panels38,54,104, and122 define anend wall151. In one embodiment,end wall151 forms an exitingend147. Alternatively,end wall139 forms an exiting end. In a further alternative embodiment,end wall139 forms a closed end. Constructedcarton11 is configured to retain a set of containers or products, such as, for example, at least two rows of canned goods, pouched goods, or beverage containers.
• Alternatively,interior surface14 ofend panel52 is affixed toexterior surfaces12 ofend panels36 and102, andinterior surface14 ofend panel120 is affixed toexterior surfaces12 ofend panels36,52, and102 formingclosed end145.Interior surface14 ofend panel54 is then affixed to exterior surfaces ofend panels38 and104, andinterior surface14 ofend panel122 is affixed toexterior surfaces12 ofend panels38,54, and104 to maintaincarton11 in a constructed configuration forming exitingend147. In this alternative embodiment, in the constructed configuration,end panel52 overlaps a portion ofend panel120, andend panel122 overlaps a portion ofend panel54.
• In the constructed configuration, lines ofperforation70 and140 are coaxial, and lines ofperforation68 and142 are coaxial defining a detachable portion or a region ofweakness170.Detachable portion170 may be a zipper strip.Detachable portion170 is defined byportions61,72,133, and144.Detachable portion170 is configured to detach from at least one ofend walls139 and151 and at least one ofside walls129 and137. Specifically, in one embodiment,detachable portion170 includes ahorizontal portion172.Horizontal portion172 includes tear-awayportions72 and144 and extends horizontally acrossend wall151. Moreover, tear-awayportion61 is defined withinside wall137, and tear-awayportion133 is defined withinside wall129. Alternatively,detachable portion170 is defined such thatportion172 extends acrossend wall139.
• As shown inFIG. 2, constructedcarton11 is shown in aclosed configuration149. As shown inFIG. 3, constructedcarton11 is shown in anopen configuration150. In use, in one embodiment, a user detachesdetachable portion170 fromcarton11 forming anopening152 that allows access to the contents ofcarton11. In one embodiment, opening152 has a size and is defined within exitingend147. Specifically, a user may insert a finger into opening66 to tearportions61 and72 away fromcarton11 along lines ofperforation60,68 and70, respectively, in afirst direction153 to form a portion ofopening152. In one embodiment, the user further forms opening152 by tearingtear portion144 infirst direction153 along lines ofperforation140 and142, and by tearingtear portion133 away fromcarton11 along line ofperforation132.
• Alternatively, a user may insert a finger intoopening138 to tearportions133 and144 in asecond direction155, oppositefirst direction153, and away fromcarton11 along lines ofperforation132,140 and142, respectively, to form a portion ofopening152. In one embodiment, the user further forms opening152 by tearingtear portion72 insecond direction155 along lines ofperforation68 and70, and by tearingportion61 away fromcarton11 along line ofperforation60. In a further alternative embodiment, a user may insert a finger intoopening66 and insert a finger intoopening138 to simultaneously tearportions61 and72 andportions133 and144 away fromcarton11 to form opening152.
• Whendetachable portion170 is detached fromcarton11, a first portion or anupper retention portion154 is formed and a second portion or alower retention portion156 is formed fromend wall151 at exitingend147. Alternatively, whenportion172 ofdetachable portion170 extends acrossend wall139, first andsecond portions154 and156 are formed fromend wall139 atclosed end145. In one embodiment,first portion154 extends downwardly fromtop wall141 to lines ofperforation70 and140, andsecond portion156 extends upwardly frombottom wall135 to lines ofperforation68 and142.Portion154 includes a portion oftop wall141 and a portion ofside walls129 and137 proximate exitingend147.Second portion156 includes a portion ofbottom wall135 and a portion ofside walls129 and137 proximate exitingend147.
• During use, in one embodiment,portion154 is stationary and includes anoverhang157 configured to retain the contents ofcarton11. In one embodiment,second portion156 also includes anoverhang159 configured to retain the contents ofcarton11. However, in contrast toportion154,portion156 is configured to separate fromside wall137 alonghinge line74 and to separate fromside wall129 alonghinge line146.Portion156 is hingedly connected tobottom wall135 such thatportion156 rotates outward fromcarton11 while remaining attached tocarton11. Alternatively,portion156 separates completely fromcarton11. Asportion156 is rotated outward, size ofopening152 increases to facilitate removal of the containers or products withincarton11.
• In use, a user removescontents161 fromcarton11 throughopening152 by rotatingsecond portion156 outwardly and forming afirst gap160 betweensecond portion156 andcarton11 alonghinge line74 and a second gap (not shown) betweensecond portion156 andcarton11 alonghinge line146. In one embodiment, assecond portion156 is rotated away fromcarton11,hook portions76 and148 prevent excessive tearing ofcarton11 and facilitate the rotation ofsecond portion156. Moreover, rotatingsecond portion156 away fromcarton11 eases the removal of contents fromcarton11 throughopening152.
• Carton11 is shaped such thatcarton11 may be conveniently stored on shelves, cupboards, or as is often desired, in a refrigerator once the carton is purchased. Whencarton11 is stored on a shelf,carton11 is easily retrieved or removed from the shelf through use ofopenings32 and34. Specifically, a user may insert a finger or multiple fingers within opening32 and/oropening34 to removecarton11 from the shelf by pullingcarton11 towards the user.Carton11 optimizes the storage of various contents while providing easy access to the contents.
• FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a blank ofsheet material200 for constructing acarton201, according to a first alternative embodiment.FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a carton in a constructed configuration orclosed configuration149 designated in its entirety byelement reference number201 constructed from blank200 shown inFIG. 4.FIG. 6 is a perspective view ofcarton201 in anopen configuration151 constructed from blank200 shown inFIG. 4.
• As shown inFIG. 4, blank200 is substantially similar to blank10 and like components are identified with like reference numerals. However, blank200 does not includehinge lines74 and146. Rather, blank200 includes lines of perforation or hingelines210 and212. Moreover, blank200 includes startingtabs266 and238 positioned withinopenings66 and138. Startingtabs266 and238 include lines ofseparation240 and242, respectively, such that a user may easily penetrate startingtabs266 and238 with a finger.
• In one embodiment,first side panel22 includeshinge line210 that extends outward from line ofperforation60 to foldline78. An angle φ is defined betweenhinge line210 and foldline78. For example, angle φ can range between approximately 30° and 90°. In a preferred embodiment, angle φ is between approximately 60° and 70°. Angle φ is any suitable angle that enablescarton201 to function as described herein.Hinge line210 includes a hook portion or acurvilinear portion214, similar to hookportion76, extending into a portion oftop panel24.Hook portion214 prevents excessive tearing of the panels. Moreover, hinge line212 extends outward from line ofperforation132 to foldline118. An angle φ is defined between hinge line212 and foldline118. Hinge line212 includes ahook portion216, similar tohook portion148, extending into a portion oftop panel24.Hook portion216 prevents excessive tearing of the panels.
• In use, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, a user detachesdetachable portion170 fromcarton201 to form opening152 that allows access to the contents ofcarton201. Specifically, a user may detachportion170 fromcarton201 by inserting a finger throughstarting tab266 to formopening66. After formingopening66, the user may tearportions61 and72 along lines ofperforation60,68, and70, respectively, infirst direction153 to form a portion ofopening152. In one embodiment, the user further forms opening152 by tearingtear portion144 infirst direction153 along lines ofperforation140 and142, and by tearingtear portion133 away fromcarton11 along line ofperforation132.
• Alternatively, a user may penetratecarton201 by inserting a finger throughstarting tab238 to form opening138. After formingopening138, the user may tearportions133 and144 insecond direction155 away fromcarton201 along lines ofperforation132,140 and142, respectively, to form a portion ofopening152. In one embodiment, the user further forms opening152 by tearingtear portion72 insecond direction155 along lines ofperforation68 and70, and by tearingportion61 away fromcarton201 along line ofperforation60. In a further alternative embodiment, a user may insert a finger intostarting tab266 formingopening66 and insert a finger intostarting tab238 formingopening138 to simultaneously tearportions61 and72 andportions133 and144 away fromcarton201 formingopening152.
• Whendetachable portion170 is detached fromcarton201,first portion254 andsecond portion256 are formed. In one embodiment, first andsecond portions254 and256 are formed fromend wall151 at exitingend147. Alternatively, whenportion172 ofdetachable portion170 extends acrossend wall139, first andsecond portions254 and256 are formed fromend wall139 atclosed end145. In one embodiment,first portion254 extends downwardly fromtop wall141 to lines ofperforation70 and140, andsecond portion256 extends upwardly frombottom wall135 to lines ofperforation68 and142.Portion254 includes a portion oftop wall141 and a portion ofside walls129 and137 proximate exitingend147.Portion256 includes a portion ofbottom wall135 and a portion ofside walls129 and137 proximate exitingend147.
• During use, in one embodiment,portion256 is stationary and includesoverhang259 configured to retain the contents ofcarton201. In one embodiment,portion254 includesoverhang257 configured to retain the contents ofcarton201. However, in contrast toportion256,portion254 is configured to separate fromside wall137 alonghinge line210 and to separate fromside wall129 along hinge line212.Portion254 is hingedly connected totop wall141 such thatportion254 rotates outward fromcarton201 while remaining attached tocarton201. Alternatively,portion254 separates completely fromcarton201. Asportion254 is rotated outward, size ofopening152 increases to facilitate removal of the containers or products withincarton201.
• In use, the user removescontents161 fromcarton201 throughopening152 by rotatingportion254 outwardly and forming afirst gap260 betweenportion254 andcarton201 alonghinge line210 and a second gap (not shown) betweenportion254 andcarton201 along hinge line212. In one embodiment, asportion254 is rotated away fromcarton201,hook portions214 and216 prevent excessive tearing ofcarton201 and facilitate the rotation offirst portion254. Moreover, rotatingportion254 away fromcarton201 eases the removal of contents fromcarton201 throughopening152.
• Carton201 is shaped such thatcarton201 may be conveniently stored on shelves, cupboards, or as is often desired, in a refrigerator once the carton is purchased. Whencarton201 is stored on a shelf,carton201 is easily retrieved or removed from the shelf through use ofopenings32 and34. Specifically, a user may insert a finger or multiple fingers within opening32 and/oropening34 to removecarton201 from the shelf by pullingcarton201 towards the user.Carton201 optimizes the storage of various contents while providing easy access to the contents.
• FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a blank ofsheet material300 for constructing acarton301, according to a second alternative embodiment.FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a carton in a constructed or closed configuration designated in its entirety byelement reference number301 constructed from blank300 shown inFIG. 7.FIG. 9 is a perspective view ofcarton301 in an open configuration constructed from blank300 shown inFIG. 7. As shown inFIG. 7, blank300 is substantially similar to blank10 and like components are identified with like reference numerals.
• Blank300 includes hasexterior surface12 and opposinginterior surface14. In one embodiment, blank300 includes firstbottom panel20,first side panel22,top panel24,second side panel26, and secondbottom panel28. Firstbottom panel20 is hingedly coupled tofirst side panel22 alongfold line30. In one embodiment, foldline30 includes a hinge line and/or a line of separation, such as a die cut, defined along a portion offold line30. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein that foldline30, as well as other fold lines described herein, may include any suitable line or lines of weakening. In one embodiment, at least fouropenings31,32,33, and34 are formed alongfold line30.Openings31,32,33, and34 are sized to receive a finger therein.
• Firstbottom panel20 includesfirst end panel36, and opposingsecond end panel38. In one embodiment, first andsecond end panels36 and38 extend outwardly from firstbottom panel20 and are hingedly coupled to firstbottom panel20 along substantiallyparallel fold lines40 and42, respectively. Foldlines40 and42 are transverse to foldline30. In one embodiment, first andsecond end panels36 and38 includepanel44 including at least threeedges46,48, and50.Panel44 is substantially rectangular in shape including at least three suitable lines of separation, such as perforated lines, defined along edges46,48, and50. In one embodiment,edge48 extends betweenedges46 and50.
• First side panel22 includesfirst end panel52, and opposingsecond end panel54. First andsecond end panels52 and54 extend outwardly fromfirst side panel22 and are hingedly coupled tofirst side panel22 along substantiallyparallel fold lines56 and58, respectively. In one embodiment,first end panel52 extends from fold line56 a length L₂to anedge302. Foldlines56 and58 are transverse to foldline30.
• In one embodiment,first side panel22 further includes anopening303 that is sized to receive a finger therein. Opening303 may include a panel positioned within the opening. A zipper strip, a region of weakness, or adetachable portion304 is defined by at least two substantially parallel lines of perforation or tearlines306 and308 that extend from opening303 a distance D₇throughfold line56 to edge302 offirst end panel52. Furthermore, a line of perforation or ahinge line310 extends outward from line ofperforation308 to foldline78. An angle δ is defined betweenhinge line310 and foldline78. For example, angle δ can range between approximately 10° and 90°. In a preferred embodiment, angle δ is between approximately 60° and 70°. Angle δ is any suitable angle that enablescarton301 to function as described herein.
• First side panel22 is hingedly coupled totop panel24 alongfold line78.Top panel24 includeshandle80.Handle80 includesfirst handle panel82 andsecond handle panel84 that are separated by line ofseparation86. In one embodiment, handle80 is configured to form opening88 (shown inFIG. 3).Opening88 is defined by lines ofperforation90 and92 with lines ofseparation94 and96 extending between lines ofperforation90 and92. In one embodiment, line ofperforation90 extends into a portionfirst side panel22 to prevent tearing, and line ofperforation92 extends into a portion ofsecond side panel26 to prevent tearing. Moreover,top panel24 includes reinforcinglines98 and100 formed at distance D₂from lines ofperforation90 and92, respectively. In one embodiment, reinforcinglines98 and100 are formed with a slight curvature wherein reinforcingline98 extends acrosstop panel24 and into a portion of first andsecond side panels22 and26, and reinforcingline100 extends acrosstop panel24 and into a portion of first andsecond side panels22 and26.
• Top panel24 further includesfirst end panel102, and opposingsecond end panel104. In one embodiment, first andsecond end panels102 and104 extend outwardly fromtop panel24 and are hingedly coupled totop panel24 along substantiallyparallel fold lines106 and108, respectively. Foldlines106 and108 are transverse to foldline78.Handle80 is positioned betweenfold lines106 and108. Specifically, in one embodiment, handle80 is defined at a distance D₃fromfold line106, and at a distance D₄fromfold line108. Distances D₃and D₄are determined based upon the number of containers, products, or cans withincarton301.Handle80 and line ofseparation86 are strategically placed such that line ofseparation86 is positioned between the containers, products, or cans withincarton301. Specifically, a user may insert their fingers intohandle80 along line ofseparation86 such that their fingers are positioned between the containers, products, or cans enabling the user to carry and/ortransport carton301. For example, ifcarton301 has a top row of containers or products including approximately three containers or products, line ofseparation86 may be positioned between the first and second containers or between the second and third containers. As such, the position ofhandle80 may be dependent upon the number of containers, products, or cans withincarton301.
• In one embodiment, first andsecond end panels102 and104 includepanel110 including at least threeedges112,114, and116.Panel110 is substantially rectangular in shape including at least three suitable lines of separation, such as perforated lines, defined alongedges112,114, and116. In one embodiment,edge114 extends betweenedges112 and116.
• Top panel24 is hingedly coupled tosecond side panel26 alongfold line118.Second side panel26 includesfirst end panel120, and opposingsecond end panel122. First andsecond end panels120 and122 extend outwardly fromsecond side panel26 and are hingedly coupled tosecond side panel26 along substantiallyparallel fold lines124 and126, respectively. Foldlines124 and126 are transverse to foldline118. In one embodiment,first end panel120 extends from fold line124 a length L₂to anedge311. Moreover, in one embodiment, each first andsecond end panel120 and122 includes a pair of cut-awaycorners128 and130 to ease assembly ofcarton301.
• Second side panel26 is hingedly coupled to secondbottom panel28 alongfold line131. In one embodiment,second side panel26 further includes anopening312 that is sized to receive a finger therein. A zipper strip, a region of weakness, or adetachable portion314 is defined by at least two substantially parallel lines ofperforation316 and318 that extend from opening312 a distance D₈throughfold line124 to edge311 offirst end panel120. Furthermore, a line of perforation or ahinge line320, substantially similar to hingeline310, extends outward from line ofperforation316 to foldline118. Angle δ is defined betweenhinge line320 and foldline118. In one embodiment,top panel24 includes afold line322 that extends acrosstop panel24 betweenhinge lines310 and320.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view ofcarton301 constructed from blank300 shown inFIG. 7. More specifically,FIG. 8 showscarton301 in a constructed and closed configuration. Generally,carton301 is constructed in a similar manner to that ofcarton11. The panels of blank300 are folded along respective fold lines towardsinterior surface14 of blank300. Firstbottom panel20,first side panel22,top panel24,second side panel26, and secondbottom panel28 are folded alongfold lines30,78,118, and131, respectively, towardsinterior surface14.Exterior surface12 of secondbottom panel28 is affixed tointerior surface14 of firstbottom panel20 using a suitable adhesive material. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that any suitable material and/or mechanism may be used to affix portions of blank300 together to formcarton301. In one embodiment,bottom panels20 and28 define abottom wall135.First side panel22 defines afirst side wall137,second side panel26 defines asecond side wall129, andtop panel24 defines atop wall141.
• End panels36 and102 are folded alongfold lines40 and106, respectively, towardsinterior surface14.End panels52 and120 are then folded alongfold lines56 and124, respectively, towardsinterior surface14.Interior surface14 ofend panel120 is affixed toexterior surfaces12 ofend panels36 and102, andinterior surface14 ofend panel52 is affixed toexterior surfaces12 ofend panels36,102, and120.End panels36,52,102, and120 defineend wall139 forming exitingend147. Moreover,end panels38 and104 are folded alongfold lines42 and108, respectively, towardsinterior surface14, and endpanels54 and122 are folded alongfold lines58 and126, respectively, towardinterior surface14.Interior surface14 ofend panel122 is affixed to exterior surfaces ofend panels38 and104, andinterior surface14 ofend panel54 is affixed toexterior surfaces12 ofend panels38,104, and122 to maintaincarton301 in a constructed configuration.End panels38,54,104, and122 defineend wall151 formingclosed end145. In one embodiment, in the constructed configuration,end panel52 overlaps a portion ofend panel120, and endpanel54 overlaps a portion ofend panel122. Furthermore, in the constructed configuration, lines ofperforation70 and140 are coaxial, and lines ofperforation68 and142 are coaxial. In one embodiment, constructedcarton301 is configured to retain a set of containers or products, such as, for example, at least two rows of canned goods, pouched goods, or beverage containers.
• Alternatively,interior surface14 ofend panel52 is affixed toexterior surfaces12 ofend panels36 and102, andinterior surface14 ofend panel120 is affixed toexterior surfaces12 ofend panels36,52, and102 forming exitingend147.Interior surface14 ofend panel54 is affixed to exterior surfaces ofend panels38 and104, andinterior surface14 ofend panel122 is affixed toexterior surfaces12 ofend panels38,54, and104 to maintaincarton301 in a constructed configuration formingclosed end145. In this alternative embodiment, in the constructed configuration,end panel120 overlaps a portion ofend panel52, andend panel122 overlaps a portion ofend panel54.
• As shown inFIG. 8, constructedcarton301 is shown inclosed position149. As shown inFIG. 9, constructedcarton301 is shown inopen position150. In the constructed configuration, lines ofperforation308 and316 are coaxial, and lines ofperforation306 and318 are coaxial defining detachable portion, zipper strip, or region ofweakness170.Detachable portion170 is defined byportions304 and314.Detachable portion170 is configured to detach from at least one ofend walls139 and151 and at least one ofside walls129 and137. Specifically, in one embodiment,detachable portion170 includes ahorizontal portion172.Horizontal portion172 includes tear-awayportions304 and314 and extends horizontally acrossend wall151. Moreover, a portion of tear-awayportion314 is defined withinside wall137, and a portion of tear-awayportion304 is defined withinside wall129. Alternatively,detachable portion170 is defined such thatportion172 extends acrossend wall139.
• In use, in one embodiment, a user tearszipper strips304 and314 away fromcarton301 formingopening152 that allows access to the contents ofcarton301. Specifically, a user may insert a finger intoopening303 to strip304 away fromcarton301 along lines ofperforation306 and308 infirst direction153 to form a portion ofopening152. In one embodiment, the user further forms opening152 by tearingstrip314 infirst direction153 along lines ofperforation316 and318 towardsopening312.Openings303 and312 act as starting tabs to aid in tearingstrips304 and314 away fromcarton301. In operation,openings303 and312 facilitate formingopening152 along lines ofperforation306,308,316, and318 for allowing access to the contents stored withincarton301.
• Alternatively, a user may insert a finger intoopening303 to tearstrips304 and314 in asecond direction155, oppositefirst direction153, and away fromcarton301 along lines ofperforation306,308,316, and318, respectively, to form opening152. In a further alternative embodiment, a user may insert a finger intoopening303 and insert a finger intoopening312 to simultaneously tearstrips304 and314 away fromcarton301 to form opening152.
• Whendetachable portion170 is detached fromcarton301, a first portion or anupper retention portion354 is formed and a second portion or alower retention portion356 is formed fromend wall151 at exitingend147. Alternatively, whenportion172 ofdetachable portion170 extends acrossend wall139, first andsecond portions354 and356 are formed fromend wall139 atclosed end145. In one embodiment,first portion354 extends downwardly fromtop wall141 to lines ofperforation308 and316, andsecond portion356 extends upwardly frombottom wall135 to lines ofperforation306 and318.Portion354 includes a portion oftop wall141 and a portion ofside walls129 and137 proximate exitingend147.Second portion356 includes a portion ofbottom wall135 and a portion ofside walls129 and137 proximate exitingend147.
• During use, in one embodiment,portion356 is stationary and includesoverhang359 configured to retain the contents ofcarton301. In one embodiment,portion354 includesoverhang357 configured to retain the contents ofcarton301. However, in contrast toportion356,portion354 is configured to separate fromside wall137 alonghinge line310 and to separate fromside wall129 alonghinge line312.Portion354 is hingedly connected totop wall141 such thatportion354 rotates outward fromcarton301 while remaining attached tocarton301. Alternatively,portion354 separates completely fromcarton301. Asportion354 is rotated outward, size ofopening152 increases to facilitate removal of the containers or products withincarton301.
• In use, the user removescontents161 fromcarton301 throughopening152 by rotatingportion354 outwardly and forming afirst gap360 betweenportion354 andcarton301 alonghinge line310 and a second gap (not shown) betweenportion354 andcarton301 along line ofperforation312. In one embodiment, asportion354 is rotated away fromcarton301, afold line322 extending acrosstop wall141 is formed. Rotatingportion354 away fromcarton301 eases the removal of contents fromcarton301 throughopening152.
• Carton301 is shaped such thatcarton301 may be conveniently stored on shelves, cupboards, or as is often desired, in a refrigerator once the carton is purchased. Whencarton301 is stored on a shelf,carton301 is easily removed from the shelf through use ofopenings31,32,33, and34. Specifically, a user may insert a finger or multiple fingers within opening31 and/oropenings32,33, and34 to removecarton301 from the shelf by pullingcarton301 towards the user.Carton301 optimizes the storage of various contents while also providing easy access to the contents.
• The above-described carton and method of constructing the carton allow contents of the carton to be easily stored and removed using an opening formed in an exiting end of the carton. More specifically, a detachable portion extending across at least one end wall and a pair of side walls is detached to form an opening formed in an exiting end of the carton. By detaching the detachable portion, an upper retention portion and a lower retention portion are formed. The retention portions provide for the retention of the contents. At least one of the retention portions is hingedly coupled to the exiting end such that at least one retention portion may be rotated outwardly from the carton increase the size of the opening. Moreover, the carton includes at least one curvilinear portion defined within either the top or bottom wall to facilitate rotation of the at least one retention portion and prevent excessive tearing of the carton. As such, the opening and the retention portions provide easy removal of the contents of the carton by any user. As a result, consumers can store the contents of the carton within the carton, and remove the contents easily when so desired.
• Exemplary embodiments of a carton have been described above in detail. The apparatus is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the carton and/or steps of the method may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. Further, the described apparatus components and/or method steps can also be defined in, or used in combination with, other apparatus and/or methods, and are not limited to practice with only the apparatus and method as described herein.
• While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims (34)

1. A carton for packaging a plurality of containers in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom row, the carton comprising:

a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls, at least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end;

at least one detachable portion detachably formed from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls, the at least one detachable portion to be detached from the carton to define an opening at the exiting end through which the containers may be removed, the exiting end opening having a size;

an upper retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the upper retention portion extending downwardly from the top wall to an upper tear line of the detachable portion; and

a lower retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the lower retention portion extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the detachable portion,

wherein at least one of the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion is hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.

2. A carton in accordance withclaim 1 wherein the lower retention portion is hingedly connected to the bottom wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.

3. A carton in accordance withclaim 2 wherein the lower retention portion further comprises a portion of the end wall at the exiting end extending upwardly from the bottom wall to the lower tear line of the detachable portion, a portion of the side walls, and a portion of the bottom wall.

4. A carton in accordance withclaim 2 wherein the lower retention portion is defined by the lower tear line of the detachable portion extending substantially horizontally across the exiting end, a first hinge line extending from the detachable portion away from the exiting end through a first side wall of the two side walls to the bottom wall, a second hinge line extending from the detachable portion away from the exiting end through a second side wall of the two side walls to the bottom wall, and a portion of the bottom wall proximate to the exiting end.

5. A carton in accordance withclaim 4 wherein the first hinge line comprises a first curvilinear portion defined within the bottom wall, the second hinge line comprises a second curvilinear portion defined within the bottom wall, the first and second curvilinear portions facilitate rotation of the lower retention portion about the bottom wall and reduce accidental tearing of the bottom wall.

6. A carton in accordance withclaim 5 wherein the bottom wall comprises at least one bottom panel and at least one glue panel, the first curvilinear portion is defined within the at least one bottom panel and the second curvilinear portion is defined within the at least one glue flap.

7. A carton in accordance withclaim 1 wherein the upper retention portion is hingedly connected to the top wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.

8. A carton in accordance withclaim 7 wherein the upper retention portion further comprises a portion of the end wall at the exiting end extending downwardly from the top wall to the upper tear line of the detachable portion, a portion of the side walls, and a portion of the top wall.

9. A carton in accordance withclaim 7 wherein the upper retention portion is defined by the upper tear line of the detachable portion extending substantially horizontally across the exiting end, a first hinge line extending from the detachable portion away from the exiting end through a first side wall of the two side walls to the top wall, a second hinge line extending from the detachable portion away from the exiting end through a second side wall of the two side walls to the top wall, and a portion of the top wall proximate to the exiting end.

10. A carton in accordance withclaim 9 wherein the first hinge line comprises a first curvilinear portion defined within the top wall, the second hinge line comprises a second curvilinear portion defined within the top wall, the first and second curvilinear portions to facilitate rotation of the upper retention portion about the top wall and reduce accidental tearing of the top wall.

11. A carton in accordance withclaim 1 wherein the at least one detachable portion includes a first arcuate section defined within a first side wall of the two side walls, a second arcuate section defined within a second side wall of the two side walls, and a horizontal section extending between the first and second arcuate sections.

12. A carton in accordance withclaim 11 wherein the at least one detachable portion further comprises a first insertion flap adjacent the first arcuate section, and a second insertion flap adjacent the second arcuate section.

13. A carton in accordance withclaim 12 wherein at least one of the first and second insertion flaps is an opening.

14. A carton in accordance withclaim 1 wherein at least one fold line is defined between the bottom wall and at least one of the two side walls, at least one retrieval opening is defined along the at least one fold line.

15. A carton in accordance withclaim 1 wherein a tear line defines a handle within the top wall, the handle extending transversely across the top wall of the carton.

16. A carton in accordance withclaim 1 wherein each of the two closed end walls comprises two side flaps each side flap attached along a fold line to one of the two side walls, a top flap attached along a fold line to the top wall, and a bottom flap attached along a fold line to the bottom wall.

17. A blank for forming a carton for packaging a plurality of containers arranged in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom row, the blank comprising:

a sheet of foldable material having first, second, third and fourth parallel fold lines therein, defining areas of the sheet corresponding to a top panel, two side panels and a bottom panel of the carton;

at one end of the parallel fold lines, a fold line transverse to the parallel fold lines, and a side end flap connected by the transverse fold line to each of the areas corresponding to the two side panels;

a tear line extending through each of the two side panels and each of the side end flaps to define a detachable portion, an upper retention portion, and a lower retention portion at an exiting end of the carton, wherein the detachable portion may be detached from the carton to define an opening through which the containers may be removed, the tear line including first and second arcuate sections and a horizontal section extending between the arcuate sections;

a pair of hinge lines hingedly connecting at least one of the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion to at least one of the top panel and the bottom panel for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.

18. A blank in accordance withclaim 17 further comprising an insertion flap in the area corresponding to each of the side panels, each insertion flap adjacent the arcuate section of the tear line.

19. A blank in accordance withclaim 17 wherein the pair of hinge lines hingedly connects the upper retention portion to the top panel.

20. A blank in accordance withclaim 17 wherein the pair of hinge lines hingedly connects the lower retention portion to the bottom panel.

21. A blank in accordance withclaim 17 wherein each hinge line of the pair of hinge lines extends from the tear line defining the detachable portion away from the exiting end.

22. A blank in accordance withclaim 17 wherein the fold lines of the sheet of foldable material further define an area corresponding to a glue flap for attaching to the bottom panel, a first hinge line of the pair of hinge lines comprises a first curvilinear portion defined within the bottom panel, a second hinge line of the pair of hinge lines comprises a second curvilinear portion defined within the glue flap.

23. A blank in accordance withclaim 17 wherein each hinge line of the pair of hinge lines comprises at least one curvilinear portion defined within the top panel.

24. A method of opening a carton containing a plurality of containers arranged in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom row, the carton having a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls, at least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end; at least one detachable portion detachably formed from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls; an upper retention portion formed from the end wall extending downwardly from the top wall to an upper tear line of the detachable portion; and a lower retention portion formed from the end wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the detachable portion, the method comprising:

removing the at least one detachable portion to define an opening at the exiting end through which the containers may be removed, the exiting end opening having a size;

separating at least one of the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion along a pair of hinge lines such that at least one of the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion is hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall;

rotating at least one of the hingedly connected upper retention portion and lower retention portion for increasing the size of the exiting end opening when removing the containers from the carton.

25. A method in accordance withclaim 24 wherein each of the pair of hinge lines includes at least one curvilinear portion defined within the top wall, the method further comprising rotating the upper retention portion to increase the size of the exiting end opening wherein each of the curvilinear portions facilitate rotation of the upper retention portion about the top wall and reduce accidental tearing of the top wall.

26. A method in accordance withclaim 24 wherein each of the pair of hinge lines includes at least one curvilinear portion defined within the bottom wall, the method further comprising rotating the lower retention portion to increase the size of the exiting end opening wherein each of the curvilinear portions facilitate rotation of the lower retention portion about the bottom wall and reduce accidental tearing of the bottom wall.

27. A method in accordance withclaim 24 wherein the at least one detachable portion includes at least one finger flap in the area corresponding to at least one of the side walls, the method further comprising removing the at least one detachable portion utilizing the at least one finger flap.

28. A carton for packaging a plurality of containers in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom row, the carton comprising:

a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls, at least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end;

at least one detachable portion detachably formed from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls, the at least one detachable portion to be detached from the carton to define an opening at the exiting end through which the containers may be removed, the exiting end opening having a size; and

an upper retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the upper retention portion extending downwardly from the top wall to an upper tear line of the detachable portion;

wherein the upper retention portion is hingedly connected to the top wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.

29. A carton for packaging a plurality of containers in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom row, the carton comprising:

a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls, at least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end;

at least one detachable portion detachably formed from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls, the at least one detachable portion to be detached from the carton to define an opening at the exiting end through which the containers may be removed, the exiting end opening having a size; and

a lower retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the lower retention portion extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the detachable portion,

wherein the lower retention portion is hingedly connected to the bottom wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.

30. A carton for packaging a plurality of containers in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom row, the carton comprising:

a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls, at least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end;

at least one region of weakness detachably formed from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls, the at least one region of weakness to be detached from the carton to define an opening at the exiting end through which the containers may be removed, the exiting end opening having a size;

an upper retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the upper retention portion extending downwardly from the top wall to an upper tear line of the region of weakness; and

a lower retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the lower retention portion extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the region of weakness,

wherein at least one of the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion is hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.

31. A carton in accordance withclaim 30 wherein the upper tear line of the region of weakness extends substantially horizontally across the exiting end, a first hinge line extends from the region of weakness away from the exiting end through a first side wall of the two side walls to the top wall, a second hinge line extending from the region of weakness away from the exiting end through a second side wall of the two side walls to the top wall, a fold line extends between the first and second hinge lines across the top wall to facilitate rotation of the upper retention portion about the top wall.

32. A carton in accordance withclaim 30 wherein the lower tear line of the region of weakness extends substantially horizontally across the exiting end, a first hinge line extends from the region of weakness away from the exiting end through a first side wall of the two side walls to the bottom wall, a second hinge line extending from the region of weakness away from the exiting end through a second side wall of the two side walls to the bottom wall, a fold line extends between the first and second hinge lines across the bottom wall to facilitate rotation of the lower retention portion about the bottom wall.

33. A carton in accordance withclaim 30 wherein the at least one region of weakness is a zipper strip.

34. A carton for packaging a plurality of packages, the carton comprising:

a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls, at least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end;

at least one detachable portion detachably formed from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls, the at least one detachable portion to be detached from the carton to define an opening at the exiting end through which the packages may be removed, the exiting end opening having a size;

an upper retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the upper retention portion extending downwardly from the top wall to an upper tear line of the detachable portion; and

a lower retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the lower retention portion extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the detachable portion,

wherein at least one of the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion is hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the packages through the exiting end opening.

Images