US20100288657A1

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Info

Publication number: US20100288657A1
Application number: US12/779,365
Authority: US
Inventors: Felicia A. Pinkstone
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Graphic Packaging International LLC
Priority date: 2009-05-14
Filing date: 2010-05-13
Publication date: 2010-11-18
Also published as: CA2704442A1; MX2010005321A

Abstract

Several embodiments of cartons are provided. In one embodiment, a blank forms a carton with a substantially continuous ledge along the exterior rim of the carton. In other embodiments, a blank forms a carton with two adjacent compartments that are coverable with a hinged, attached lid. The lid is separable from the lower compartment portion of the carton by detachment along a tear strip. In still other embodiments, the blank forms two adjacent compartments that are not covered by an attached lid. The orientation of at least some of the carton embodiments allow orientation of the carton formed in a number of configurations, such as resting on a side panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/216,191, which was filed on May 14, 2009.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/216,191, which was filed on May 14, 2009, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Cartons are useful for holding and transporting articles. In order to facilitate dispensing of articles from a carton, it can be beneficial to form a dispenser with a portion of the carton.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to blanks, packages, or cartons for holding and/or dispensing products, such as food items, cans, rolls, bottles, and various other articles including pre-packaged items.

In one aspect, the present invention includes a blank that includes a first ledge portion foldably connected along a first fold line to a first side panel, which in turn is foldably connected along a second fold line to a bottom panel, which in turn is foldably connected along a third fold line to a second side panel, and the second side panel foldably connected along a fourth fold line to a second ledge portion. A first end flap is connected to the first side panel at a first end of the blank, a second end flap is connected at the first end of the bottom panel, and a third end flap is connected to the second side panel at the first end of the blank. A fourth end flap is connected to the first side panel at a second end of the blank, a fifth end flap is connected at the second end of the bottom panel, and a sixth end flap is connected to the second side panel at the second end of the blank. A third ledge portion is connected to the second end flap and a fourth ledge portion is connected to the fifth end flap.

Optionally, the first end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of the first side panel at the first end, with a seventh end flap connected to the first side panel at the first end. Optionally, the third end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of the second side panel at the first end, and, an eighth end flap can be connected to the second side panel at the first end. Optionally, the fourth end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of the first side panel at the second end, and, a ninth end flap can be connected to the first side panel at the second end. Optionally, the sixth end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of the second side panel at the second end, with a tenth end flap connected to the second side panel at the second end. Generally, the second end flap, the fifth end flap, and the bottom panel are arranged in a substantially hourglass shape. Also, generally, the first ledge portion, the second ledge portion, the third ledge portion, and the fourth ledge portion are foldable to form a substantially continuous lip or circumferentially extending ledge around a periphery of a carton formed from the blank.

In another aspect, the invention includes a package that comprises at least one article and a carton receiving the at least one article. The carton is formed from a blank that includes a first ledge portion foldably connected along a first fold line to a first side panel, which in turn is foldably connected along a second fold line to a bottom panel, which in turn is foldably connected along a third fold line to a second side panel, and the second side panel foldably connected along a fourth fold line to a second ledge portion. A first end flap is connected to the first side panel at a first end of the blank, a second end flap is connected at the first end of the bottom panel, and a third end flap is connected to the second side panel at the first end of the blank. A fourth end flap is connected to the first side panel at a second end of the blank, a fifth end flap is connected at the second end of the bottom panel, and a sixth end flap is connected to the second side panel at the second end of the blank. A third ledge portion is connected to the second end flap and a fourth ledge portion is connected to the fifth end flap.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a carton including a first compartment connected to a second compartment along a first fold line. The first compartment and the second compartment are capable of being covered by a lid. The lid is capable of being hinged between and open position and a closed position, with the first compartment and the second compartment being accessible when the lid is in the open position. The lid can include a tear strip that is removable from the carton to allow the lid to move from the closed position to the open position.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a package including at least one article and a carton, the carton including a first compartment connected to a second compartment along a first fold line. The first compartment and the second compartment are capable of being covered by a lid, and the lid is capable of being hinged between and open position and a closed position, with the first compartment and the second compartment being accessible when the lid is in the open position. The lid can include a tear strip that is removable from the carton to allow the lid to move from the closed position to the open position.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the below listed drawing figures.

According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to illustrate more clearly the embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a carton blank according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the carton ofFIG. 6A with the lid opened.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8A shows a bottom view of a carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 8B shows a top view of the carton ofFIG. 8A.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference figures throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure generally relates to cartons suitable for storing and dispensing contents or articles, methods of erecting such cartons from a carton blank, methods of dispensing from the formed carton, and a carton for and methods for slanting or tilting product within the carton toward a rear portion of the carton. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, the detailed description below describes several embodiments of the invention within the context of a carton with an opener for dispensing contents or articles from the carton. Further, references herein to “end,” “side,” “front,” “rear,” “bottom,” and “top” generally refer to orientations and positions of elements when the carton is erected and/or disposed in an upright orientation. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and “oblique,” and any variations thereof, generally refer to the location and/or orientation of an element or line with respect to a drawing figure in which it appears. Reference characters shared among the various embodiments disclosed herein include similar parts.

The present invention relates to a tray, carton, or package for items. The present embodiments are intended to replace, for example, thermoform/plastic trays, such as those that hold a variety of common products (such as, cookies, crackers, lunch meats, bread products, etc.), with sustainable trays and tray packages that utilize paperboard. Generally, the present embodiments provide, cradle hammock shaped or otherwise similarly shaped compartments, which, among other benefits, provide strength for shipping and product protection. The present embodiments provide compartmental, somewhat curved paperboard tray(s), which could be formed in any desired shape, size, or orientation to accommodate any number of items. Generally, the present tray(s)/carton(s) are filled with items, such as cookies, crackers, lunch meats, bread products, etc. for example, to form a package. Generally, the items are contained in the package for shipping to a point-of-sale vendor (e.g., grocery store). Optionally, the point-of-sale vendor can convert the package to a display unit for displaying items to consumers.

FIG. 1 illustrates an outer facingsurface1 of a carton blank5 from which a carton1000 (FIG. 2) can be erected. The blank5 (FIG. 1) includes a first end4, second end6, and afirst panel10, asecond panel20, athird panel30, afourth panel40, and afifth panel50.Panel10 is foldably connected alongfold line11 topanel20,panel20 is foldably connected alongfold line21 topanel30,panel30 is foldably connected alongfold line31 topanel40, andpanel40 is foldably connected alongfold line41 topanel50.Panel10 andpanel50 include ledge extensions that extend toward a periphery8 of the blank5 at lengths greater than the lengths of

panels

20,30, and40.Panel10 includesledge portion12 at first end4 andledge portion14 at second end6.Panel50 similarly includesledge portion52 at first end4 andledge portion54 at second end6.

Blank

5 includes end flaps, including end flaps22,26,32,42, and46, at the

first end

fold lines

37,57, and67, while a secondend ledge panel38 is connected to endflap34 along

fold lines

39,59, and69.

As shown inFIG. 1, fold

lines

23,25,27,29,33,35,43,45,47, and49 generally extend transverse to fold

lines

11,21,31, and41. One or more of

fold lines

23,27,33,43,47 also could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at53, while one or more of

fold lines

25,29,35,45,49 could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at55. End flaps22,24,26,28,32,34,42,44,46, and48 generally extend in a direction away from

respective fold lines

23,25,27,29,33,35,43,45,47, and49 toward the periphery8 of the blank5. Further, in view of “panels,” the surfaces of carton1000 (FIG. 2) formed from the blank5 can be referred to as “walls” or “sides.” Further still, the

panels

20,30,40 can be referred to as the surfaces they form when constructed in the form of a carton, such as the carton shown inFIG. 2. For example,panel30 can be referenced as bottom panel,panel20 can be referenced as a first side panel, andpanel40 can be referenced as a second side panel. Additionally, end flaps22,26,32,42,46 (FIG. 1) can be closed to form a first carton end, and end flaps24,28,34,44,48 can be closed to form a second carton end as indicated inFIG. 2.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of acarton1000 formed from the blank ofFIG. 1. The blank5 may be folded from the configuration shown inFIG. 1 to the configuration shown inFIG. 2 by folding the blank along

fold lines

11,21,31, and41. During a folding sequence, the end flaps are folded toward the interior, with either the end flaps at the first end4 or the end flaps at the second end6 folded inward first. At the first end4, end flaps22,26,42, and46 can be folded inwardly along

fold lines

23,27,43, and47, respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicular topanel30. Next,end flap32 is folded inwardly alongfold line33 so as to extend substantially perpendicular topanel30. At end6, end flaps24,28,44, and48 are folded inwardly along

fold lines

25,29,45, and49, respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicular topanel30. Next,end flap34 is folded inwardly alongfold line35 so as to extend substantially perpendicular topanel30. Generally, end flaps22,26,32,42, and46 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form a first end1004 (FIG. 2) ofcarton1000, and end flaps24,28,34,44, and48 (FIG. 1) are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form a second end1006 (FIG. 2) ofcarton1000.

To form the circumferential ledge orlip1060 that extends along and around an upper portion of thecarton1000 as shown inFIG. 2, once the end flaps are folded inwardly,panel10 andpanel50 can be folded outwardly along

respective fold lines

11 and41, and

ledges portions

36 and38 are folded along

respective fold lines

37,57,67 and39,59,69. In this manner, the

ledges portions

36 and38 and

panels

10 and50 generally are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form a substantially continuous ledge orlip1060 surrounding the upper periphery of thecarton1000 ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a second embodiment, illustrating an outer facingsurface101 of a carton blank105 from which a carton1100 (FIG. 3) can be erected. The blank105 includes first andsecond sides104/106, anadhesive panel107, afirst panel110, asecond panel120, athird panel130, a fourth180.Panel180 is separated by atear strip190 intofirst panel portion184 andsecond panel portion194. Thetear strip190 includes atear strip panel182 defined between

tear lines

181 and183, includes a tear strip starting flap188 (which is shown with a bulbous shape to allow ease of gripping of the tear strip190), and includes an opening feature, finger flap, or opening186 defined alongtear line181 between lines of

disruption

185 and187.

Adhesive flap

107 is foldably connected alongfold line109 topanel110,panel110 is foldably connected alongfold line111 topanel120,panel120 is foldably connected alongfold line121 topanel130,panel130 is foldably connected alongfold line131 topanel140,panel140 is foldably connected alongfold line141 topanel150,panel150 is foldably connected alongfold line151 topanel160,panel160 is foldably connected alongfold line161 topanel170, andpanel170 is foldably connected alongfold line171 topanel180.

Blank

105 includes end flaps disposed along afirst end104 and along thesecond side106 of the blank.End flap112 is connected along afold line113 along thefirst side104 of the blank topanel110, andend flap114 is foldably connected along afold line115 along thesecond side106 of the blank topanel110.End flap122 is foldably connected along afold line123 topanel120, whileend flap portion126 is connected to endflap122 alongfold line127.End flap124 is foldably connected along afold line125 along thesecond side106 of the blank topanel120. Anend flap portion128 is connected to endflap124 alongfold line129. End flap132 is foldably connected along afold line133 along thefirst side104 of the blank topanel130.End flap134 is foldably connected alongfold line135 along thesecond side106 of the blank topanel130.

End flap142 is foldably connected alongfold line143 topanel140. End flaps132 and142 are connected alongfold line137.End flap144 is foldably connected alongfold line145 along thesecond side106 of the blank topanel140, and end

flaps

Fold

lines

113,115,123,125,133,135,143,145,153,155,163,165,173, and175 are generally transverse to fold

lines

109,111,121,131,141,151,161, and171. One or more of

fold lines

113,123,133,143,153,163,173 could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at193. One or more of

fold lines

115,125,135,145,155,165,175 could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at195. End flaps112,114,122,124,132,134,142,144,152,154,162,164,172, and174 generally extend in a direction away from

respective fold lines

113,115,123,125,133,135,143,145,153,155,163,165,173,175 towardperiphery108 of blank105. Further, the panels forming the surfaces of a carton1100 (FIG. 4) formed from the blank105 can be referred to as “walls” or “sides.” Further still, the

panels

flaps

114,124,134,144,154,164,174 (FIG. 3) can be closed to form a second carton end1106 (FIG. 4).

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of acarton1100 formed from the blank ofFIG. 3. The blank105 may be folded from the configuration shown inFIG. 3 to the configuration shown inFIG. 4 by folding the blank along

fold lines

111,121,131,141,151,161, and171. During a folding sequence, the end flaps are folded toward the interior, with either the end flaps along thefirst side104 or the end flaps along thesecond side106 folded inwardly first. End flaps112,122,132,142,152,162, and172 are folded inwardly along

fold lines

113,123,133,143,153,163, and173, respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicular topanel120. Next, end flaps122 and152 are folded inwardly along

respective fold lines

123 and153 so as to extend substantially perpendicular topanel120. Alongside106, end flaps114,124,134,144,154,164, and174 are folded inwardly along

fold lines

115,125,135,145,155,165, and175, respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicular topanel120, after which end flaps124 and154 are folded inwardly along

respective fold lines

125 and155 so as to extend substantially perpendicular topanel120. Generally, end flaps112,122,132,142,152,162,172 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form afirst end1104 ofcarton1100, and end

flaps

114,124,134,144,154,164,174 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form asecond end1106 ofcarton1100. As shown inFIG. 7, thelip panel194 ofpanel180 can be hinged upwardly to dispose the lid portion in an open configuration. First, thetear panel182 oftear strip190 is detached along

tear lines

181 and183 and thepanel170 is hinged upward alongfold line161 to expose product P in the interior of thecarton1100. Products P then can be dispensed from thecarton1100.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a third embodiment. The blank205 ofFIG. 5 is similar to the blank105 ofFIG. 3. One difference between

blanks

105 and205 is the inclusion of two additional panels (220 and270) that allow the compartments of thecarton1200 formed from blank205 to have a more hexagonal shape as desired than thecarton1100 formed from blank105. This hexagonal design will more easily allow thecarton1200 formed from the blank205 to be disposed in a desired orientation, such as on a side to allow stacking or alignment on a display shelf, for example. Another difference between blank105 and blank205 is the shape of the end flaps232,234,262, and264, which can have more of an hourglass or rounded shape in blank205 to compensate for the

additional panels

220 and270. Other similarities and differences can be discovered by detailed comparison of

blanks

105 and205.

FIG. 6A shows a carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 5.FIG. 6B shows the carton ofFIG. 6A with the lid opened. Thecarton1200 ofFIGS. 6A and 6B are similar to thecarton1100 shown inFIG. 4. Other similarities and differences can be discovered by detailed comparison of

cartons

1100 and1200.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a carton blank405 according to a fourth embodiment.FIG. 7 illustrates an outer facingsurface401 of the carton blank405 from which a carton1400 (FIGS. 8A and 8B) can be erected. The blank405 includes afirst side404, asecond side406, afirst ledge panel407, afirst panel410, asecond panel420, athird panel430, afourth panel440, afifth panel450, asixth panel460, and asecond ledge panel470.Panel407 is foldably connected alongfold line409 topanel410,panel410 is foldably connected alongfold line411 topanel420,panel420 is foldably connected alongfold line421 topanel430,panel430 is foldably connected alongfold line431 topanel440,panel440 is foldably connected alongfold line441 topanel450,panel450 is foldably connected alongfold line451 topanel460,panel460 is foldably connected alongfold line461 topanel470.

Blank

fold lines

445 and449 along thesecond side406 of the blank. End flaps432 and442 are connected along afold line427, and end

flaps

434 and444 are connected along afold line429.End flap452 is foldably connected topanel450 along afold line453 extending along thefirst side404 of the blank, andend flap454 is foldably connected along afold line455 extending along thesecond side406 of the blank topanel450. End flaps462 and466 are foldably connected topanel460 along

fold lines

463 and467 and extending along thefirst side404 of the blank. End flaps and466 are foldably connected topanel460 along

fold lines

465 and469 along thesecond side406 of the blank.End flap422 includes an extendedflap portion426,end flap424 includes an extendedflap portion428,end flap452 includes an extendedflap portion456, andend flap454 includes an extendedflap portion458.

Fold

lines

413,415,417,419,423,425,433,435;437,439,443,445,447,449,453,455,463,465,467,469 are generally transverse to fold

lines

409,411,421,431,441,451, and461. One or more of

fold lines

413,417,423,433,437,443,447,453,463,467 could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at473. One or more of

fold lines

415,419,425,435,439,445,449,454,465,469 could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at475. End flaps412,414,416,418,422,424,432,434,436,438,442,444,446,448,452,454,462,464,466,468 generally extend in a direction away from

respective fold lines

413,415,417,419,423,425,433,435,437,439,443,445,447,449,453,455,463,465,467,469 towardperiphery408 of blank405. Further, the panels defining the surfaces ofcarton1400 formed from the blank405 also can be referred to as “walls” or “sides.” Further still, the

panels

410,420,430,440,450,460 can be referred to as the surfaces they forms when constructed in the form of a carton, such as the carton shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B. For example,panel420 can be referenced as first bottom panel,panel410 can be referenced as first side panel,panel430 can be referenced as second side panel,panel440 can be referenced as third side panel,panel450 can be referenced as second bottom panel, andpanel460 can be referenced as fourth side panel. Additionally, end flaps412,416,422,432,436,442,446,452,462, and466 can be closed to form afirst carton end1404, and end

flaps

414,418,424,434,438,444,448,454,464, and468 can be closed to form asecond carton end1406.

FIG. 8A shows a bottom view of a carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 7.FIG. 8B shows a top view of the carton ofFIG. 8A. The blank405 may be folded from the configuration shown inFIG. 7 to the configurations shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B by folding the blank405 along

fold lines

409,411,421,431,441,451, and461. During a folding sequence, the end flaps are folded toward the interior, with either the end flaps at thefirst end404 or the end flaps at thesecond end406 folded inward first. Atend404, end flaps412,416,422,432,436,442,446,452,462,466 are folded inwardly along

fold lines

413,417,423,433,437,443,447,453,463,467, respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicular topanel420. Next, end flaps422 and454 are folded inwardly along

respective fold lines

423 and453 so as to extend substantially perpendicular topanel420. Atend406, end flaps414,418,424,434,438,444,448,454,464,468 are folded inwardly along

fold lines

415,419,425,435,439,445,449,454,465,469, respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicular topanel420. Next, end flaps424 and454 are folded inwardly along

respective fold lines

425 and455 so as to extend substantially perpendicular topanel420. Generally, end flaps412,416,422,432,436,442,446,452,462, and466 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form afirst end1404 ofcarton1400, and end

flaps

414,418,424,434,438,444,448,454,464, and468 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form asecond end1406 ofcarton1400.

Panels

407 and470 are folded inwardly to form a ledge or lip over each compartment that extends inwardly along and around an upper portion of thecarton1400 as shown inFIG. 8B.

The flaps and panels detailed herein generally are secured to form a package, or carton. It is understood that forming the carton, packing the carton, and/or loading the carton and methods that differ than the forming, packing, and/or loading configurations discussed herein are within the scope of the disclosure.

In general, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper of at least about 13, for example, so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described above.

The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or panels adhered together by glue. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure paperboard or carton panels in place, and the adhesive material can be replaced by, or supplemented with any suitable fastening devices.

The term “line” as used herein includes not only straight lines, but also other types of lines such as curved, curvilinear or angularly displaced lines. In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, cut line, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

Any dimensions shown in the figures are exemplary only and can be expanded or contracted, such as to accommodate items of different sizes, configurations, or dimensions. These dimensions should not be construed as limiting in any manner.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. As various changes could be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of the above-described embodiments that are within the scope of the claims. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A blank comprising:

a first ledge portion foldably connected along a first fold line to a first side panel, the first side panel foldably connected along a second fold line to a bottom panel, the bottom panel foldably connected along a third fold line to a second side panel, the second side panel foldably connected along a fourth fold line to a second ledge portion;

a first end flap connected to the first side panel at a first end of the blank, a second end flap connected at the first end of the bottom panel, a third end flap connected to the second side panel at the first end of the blank;

a fourth end flap connected to the first side panel at a second end of the blank, a fifth end flap connected at the second end of the bottom panel, a sixth end flap connected to the second side panel at the second end of the blank; and,

a third ledge portion connected to the second end flap and a fourth ledge portion connected to the fifth end flap.

2. The blank ofclaim 1 wherein the first end flap covers less than the entirety of a periphery of the first side panel at the first end.

3. The blank ofclaim 2 wherein a seventh end flap is connected to the first side panel at the first end.

4. The blank ofclaim 1 wherein the third end flap covers less than the entirety of a periphery of the second side panel at the first end.

5. The blank ofclaim 4 wherein an eighth end flap is connected to the second side panel at the first end.

6. The blank ofclaim 1 wherein the fourth end flap covers less than the entirety of a periphery of the first side panel at the second end.

7. The blank ofclaim 6 wherein a ninth end flap is connected to the first side panel at the second end.

8. The blank ofclaim 1 wherein the sixth end flap covers less than the entirety of a periphery of the second side panel at the second end.

9. The blank ofclaim 8 wherein a tenth end flap is connected to the second side panel at the second end.

10. The blank ofclaim 1 wherein the second end flap, the fifth end flap, and the bottom panel are arranged in a substantially hourglass shape.

11. The blank ofclaim 1, wherein the first ledge, the second ledge, the third ledge, and the fourth ledge are foldable to form a substantially continuous lip extending along a periphery of a carton formed from the blank.

12. A package comprising:

at least one article and a carton receiving the at least one article;

the carton being formed from a blank, the blank comprising:

at least a first end flap connected to the first side panel at a first end of the blank, a second end flap connected at the first end of the bottom panel, at least a third end flap connected to the second side panel at the first end of the blank;

at least a fourth end flap connected to the first side panel at a second end of the blank, a fifth end flap connected at the second end of the bottom panel, at least a sixth end flap connected to the second side panel at the second end of the blank; and,

13. The package ofclaim 12 wherein the first ledge, the second ledge, the third ledge, and the fourth ledge are foldable to form a substantially continuous circumferential ledge extending along a periphery of a carton formed from the blank.

14. A carton comprising:

a first compartment connected to a second compartment along a first fold line;

the first compartment and the second compartment capable of being covered by a lid;

the lid being capable of being hinged between and open position and a closed position, with the first compartment and the second compartment being accessible when the lid is in the open position;

the lid including a tear strip that is removable from the carton to allow the lid to move from the closed position to the open position.

15. A package comprising:

a carton;

at least one article received within the carton; and,

the carton comprising:

a first compartment connected to a second compartment along a first fold line;

the lid being capable of being hinged between and open position and a closed position, with the first compartment and the second compartment being accessible when the lid is in the open position; and,