CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/554,760, which was filed on September 6, 2017.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/554,760, which was filed on

September 6, 2017, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for holding at least one article. In embodiments, the present disclosure relates to cartons that include at least one holder for holding an accessory for the at least one article.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a carton for holding at least one article comprises a base comprising a first plurality of panels and a lid comprising a second plurality of panels. The lid is foldably connected to the base such that the base and the lid at least partially surround an interior of the carton. A shoulder is attached to the base, the shoulder comprising at least one holder for holding at least one accessory for the at least one article.

[0005] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a blank for forming a carton for holding at least one article comprises a first plurality of panels for forming a base of the carton formed from the blank and a second plurality of panels for forming a lid of the carton formed from the blank. The first plurality of panels is foldably connected to the second plurality of panels such that the base and the lid at least partially surround an interior of the carton formed from the blank. The blank further comprises panels for forming a shoulder attached to the base of the carton formed from the blank. The panels for forming the shoulder comprise at least one holder for holding at least one accessory for the at least one article in the carton formed from the blank.

[0006] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of forming a carton for holding at least one article comprises obtaining a blank comprising a first plurality of panels, a second plurality of panels foldably connected to the first plurality of panels, and shoulder panels. The method further comprises at least partially folding the first plurality of panels to form a base of the carton, and at least partially folding the second plurality of panels to form a lid of the carton such that the base and the lid at least partially surround an interior of the carton. The method further comprises at least partially folding the shoulder panels to form a shoulder attached to the base, the shoulder comprising at least one holder for holding at least one accessory for the at least one article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided both individually and in various combinations.

[0008] 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 more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carton according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a first sequential perspective view of a partial folding of the blank of Fig. 1.

[0011] Fig. 3 is another perspective view of the partially folded blank of Fig. 2.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a second sequential perspective view of a partial folding of the blank of Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of Fig. 1 and in an open configuration according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 6 is another perspective view of the carton of Fig. 5 in a closed configuration.

[0015] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the carton of Fig. 5 in the open configuration and having a pair of holders formed therein.

[0016] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the carton of Fig. 7 in the open configuration and having accessories disposed in the holders.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carton according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. [0018] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a carton according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate containers of numerous different shapes. In this specification, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper," "top," "front," and "back" indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected cartons. As described herein, cartons may be formed by multiple overlapping panels, end flaps, and/or other portions. Such panels, end flaps, and/or other portions may be designated in relative terms to one another, e.g., "first", "second", "third", etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 1 shows an exterior surface 11 of a blank 13 for forming a carton 15 (Fig. 5) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As described herein, the carton 15 includes a tray or base 17 and a reclosable lid 19 foldably connected to the base 17 such that the base 17 and the lid 19 at least partially surround an interior 149 of the carton 15. Such an arrangement can be commonly referred to as a "clamshell" carton. The illustrated carton 15 can be useful for holding one or more articles such as food products F (Fig. 5) that may be provided in discrete portions, for example, chicken nuggets, chicken strips, French fries, chips, and/or other food items that can commonly be referred to as finger foods. Other types of articles that can include food products and/or nonfood products can be placed in the carton 15 for service to a customer without departing from the disclosure. Such products can be contained in additional packaging and then placed in the carton 15. As described further herein, the carton 15 includes a shoulder 20 attached to the base 17 and defining at least one holder 21 (Fig. 7) within which an accessory for one or more food products F can be held, for example, a container C for a condiment, for example, a sauce or dressing (e.g., ketchup, mustard, barbeque sauce, etc.) and/or another condiment. The carton 15 could be otherwise shaped and arranged and could be used to hold other products and/or articles in similar or different environments without departing from the disclosure.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the blank 13 has a longitudinal axis LI extending generally in the direction of the length of the blank 13 and a lateral axis L2 extending generally in the direction of the width of the blank 13. In one embodiment, the blank 13 comprises a front extension flap 23, a front extension panel 25, a front panel 27, a bottom panel 29, a first back panel 31, a second back panel 33, and a top panel 35, and a lid panel 37. As illustrated, the front extension flap 23 is foldably connected to the front extension panel 25 at a lateral fold line 39, the front extension panel 25 is foldably connected to the front panel 27 at a lateral fold line 41, the front panel 27 is foldably connected to the bottom panel 29 at a lateral fold line 43, the bottom panel 29 is foldably connected to the first back panel 31 at a lateral fold line 45, the first back panel 31 is foldably connected to the second back panel 33 at a lateral fold line 47, the second back panel 33 is foldably connected to the top panel 35 at a lateral fold line 49, and the top panel 35 is foldably connected to the lid panel 37 at a lateral fold line 51. In one embodiment, the first back panel 31, the bottom panel 29, and the front panel 27 can be a first plurality of panels at least partially forming the base 17 of the carton 15, the second back panel 33, the top panel 35, the lid panel 37 can be a second plurality of panels foldably connected to the first plurality of panels and for at least partially forming the lid 19 of the carton 15, and a portion of the bottom panel 29, the front panel 27, the front extension panel 25, and the front extension flap 23 can be shoulder panels that at least partially form the shoulder 20 of the carton 15.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, a first end flap 53 and a second end flap 55 are foldably connected to the front panel 27 at respective oblique fold lines 57, 59, a first end flap 61 and a second end flap 63 are foldably connected to the bottom panel 29 at respective longitudinal fold lines 65, 67, a first end flap 69 and a second end flap 71 are foldably connected to the first back panel 31 at respective oblique fold hnes 73, 75, a first end flap 77 and a second end flap 79 are foldably connected to the second back panel 33 at respective oblique fold lines 81, 83, a first end flap 85 and a second end flap 87 are foldably connected to the top panel 35 at respective longitudinal fold lines 89, 91, and a first end flap 93 and a second end flap 95 are foldably connected to the lid panel 37 at respective oblique fold lines 97, 99. As shown, the end flaps 53, 61, 69, 77, 85, 93 extend along a first marginal area of the blank 13 and the end flaps 55, 63, 71, 79, 87, 95 extend along a second marginal area of the blank 13. As described herein, when the carton 15 (Fig. 5) is erected, the end flaps 53, 61, 69, 77, 85, 93 at least partially close a first lateral side 16 (Fig. 6) of the carton 15, and the end flaps 55, 63, 71, 79, 78, 95 at least partially close a second lateral side 18 of the carton 15. Different flap arrangements can be used for closing the sides of the carton 15 without departing from the disclosure.

[0024] Still referring to Fig. 1, two pairs of retention flaps 103, 105 are foldably connected to the front extension panel 25 at respective fold lines 107, 109. The retention flaps 103, 105 are at least partially defined by respective cuts 111, 113 and 117, 119 in the front extension panel 25 that interrupt the respective lateral fold lines 39, 41, and are separated by a respective cut 121 that may have an at least partially curved, e.g., wave-shaped or sinusoidal, configuration. As described herein, the retention flaps 103, 105 can be deflected away (e.g., downwardly) from the front extension panel 25 to form holders 21 (Fig. 7) in the carton 15, for example, to receive one or more accessories, such as the container C, for the one or more food products F. [0025] As shown, the blank 13 comprises locking features which includes a tab 123 protruding from the front extension flap 23 into a portion of the front extension panel 25 adjacent a cut 125 extending between portions of the lateral fold line 39. In one embodiment, the cut 125 is curved or semicircular, but the cut 125 and the tab 123 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. As described further herein, the tab 123 can be deflected away from the front extension panel 25 upon formation of the carton 15 to provide an opening 127 (Fig. 5) for receiving a lock 129 extending from a free edge of the lid panel 37 to maintain closure of the carton 15. As shown, the lock 129 includes a head 131 defined by a pair of notches 133 adjacent the free edge of the lid panel 37. The head 131 can have a trapezoidal profile, as shown, or in embodiments, may have a different configuration, for example, square or rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal, or any other suitable shape. The locking features may also include extensions 86, 88 protruding from the respective end flaps 85, 87 and respective ledges 26, 28 defined at lateral end portions of the front extension panel 25. The extensions 86, 88 can engage the respective ledges 26, 28 upon closure of the carton 15, as described further herein. The locking features can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

[0026] As also shown in Fig. 1, the blank 13 comprises interengaging features to effect formation of the carton 15 (Fig. 5) that include openings 134 in the respective end flaps 61, 63 that receive tabs 135 extending from respective lateral edge portions of the front extension flap 23. A pair of cuts 137, 139, as shown, can extend from each opening 134 into the respective end flaps 61, 63 to provide relief portions that are activable, for example, during formation, use, and/or other manipulation of the carton 15.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 1, the first back panel 31 comprises cuts 141 and second back panel 33 comprises cuts 143. As shown, the cuts 141, 143 intersect to form an X-shaped configuration and define relief portions 145, 147 in the back panels 31, 33. The relief portions 145, 147 can, for example, minimize, inhibit, and/or prevent the back panels 31, 33 from buckling when the carton 15 is opened, closed, or otherwise manipulated. The relief portions 145, 147 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, and/or omitted without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0028] Referring additionally to Figs. 2-5, in one exemplary embodiment of forming the blank 13 into the carton 15, the base 17 of the carton 15 can be formed by folding the front panel 27 upwardly relative to the bottom panel 29 at the fold line 43, folding the first back panel 31 upwardly relative to the bottom panel 29 at the fold line 45, and folding the end flaps 53, 61, 69, 59, 63, 71 upwardly at respective fold lines 57, 65, 73, 59, 67, 75, as shown. The base 17 can be arranged such that the end flaps 53, 69 are in at least partial face-to-face contact with the end flap 61 and the end flaps 55, 71 are in at least partial face-to-face contact with the end flap 63. As described herein, the flaps 53, 69 and the flaps 55, 71 can be positioned on an external surface or an internal surface of the respective end flaps 61, 63.

[0029] As shown, the lid 19 of the carton 15 can be formed by folding the second back panel 33 upwardly relative to the top panel 35 at the fold line 49, folding the lid panel 37 upwardly relative to the top panel 35 at the fold line 51, and folding the end flaps 77, 85, 93, 83, 87, 95 upwardly at respective fold lines 81, 89, 97, 83, 91, 99, as shown. The lid 19 can be arranged such that the end flaps 77, 93 are in at least partial face-to-face contact with the end flap 85 and the end flaps 79, 95 are in at least partial face-to-face contact with the end flap 87. As described herein, the flaps 77, 93 and the flaps 79, 95 can be positioned on an external surface or an internal surface of the respective end flaps 85, 87.

[0030] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the shoulder 20 can be formed by folding the front extension panel

25 at the fold line 41 into substantially parallel planar relation with the bottom panel 29 and folding the front extension flap 23 at the fold line 39 downwardly toward the bottom panel 29 and into general parallel relation with the front panel 27. The tabs 135 of the front extension flap 23 can then be inserted through the openings 134 in the respective end flaps 61, 63 such that and an interior chamber 136 is formed in the shoulder 20 and such that the above-described configuration of the shoulder 20 is maintained. The above-described arrangement of overlapping portions of the blank 13 to form the carton 15 can be maintained through the use of an adhesive such as glue.

[0031] Still referring to Figs. 1 and 5, the carton 15 is shown in an open configuration in which the lid 19 is foldably attached to but otherwise disengaged from the base 17 such that an interior 149 of the carton 15 is accessible. In such a configuration of the carton 15, one or more food products F can be placed in the interior 149, for example, for transport, storage, and/or serving.

[0032] Referring additionally to Fig. 6, in order to close the carton 15, the lid 19 can be folded at the fold line 47 toward the base 17, which may include at least partial camming or deflection of the extensions 86, 88 about the respective ledges 26, 28. Upon alignment of the lid 19 with the base 17, the lock 129 enters the opening 127 such that the carton 15 is maintained in the above-described closed configuration. In particular, the notches 133 of the lock 129 can become disposed between the head 131 and the front extension panel 25 adjacent the opening 127 to maintain closure of the carton 15. As also shown, the disposition of the extensions 86, 88 disposed beneath the respective ledges 26, 28 can assist in inhibiting or preventing opening of the carton 15 absent purposeful manipulation by a user. [0033] Referring to Figs. 1, 7, and 8, when received by a user, the carton 15 can be opened by a customer by disengaging the lock 129 from the opening 127 and raising the lid 19 away from the base 17, which may include camming or deflecting the extensions 86, 88 about the respective ledges 26, 28. In the open configuration, one or more food products F can be retrieved by a user from the interior 149 of the carton 15. In the course of using the carton 15, it may be desired to position one or more accessories for one or more of the food products F nearby. Accordingly, a user can fold one or more of the pairs of retention flaps 103, 105 downwardly relative to the front extension panel 25 at respective fold lines 107, 109 into the interior chamber 136 such that one or more holders 21 that are at least partially defined by the shoulder 20 and that extend into the interior chamber 136 are accessible. As described herein, the holders 21 can include the retention flaps 103, 105, and can additionally include portions of the interior chamber 136. As shown, the carton 15 includes a first holder 21 and a second holder 21, though a different number of holders can be provided without departing from the disclosure. The holders 21 provide convenient locations for one or more accessories for the one or more food products F, for example, a container C. As shown, the containers C can be partially recessed within the respective holders 21 such that the containers C or other accessories are at least partially disposed in the interior chamber 136 of the shoulder 20, and edge portions of the containers C, such as flanges or rims R, can rest upon the front extension panel 25 such that the containers C are suspended above the bottom panel 29 of the carton 15 for convenient access by a customer. In addition, the retention flaps 103, 105 can be disposed adjacent and in generally parallel relation to the sides of the containers C, for example, to provide support and stability for the containers C. In this regard, a user can dip or scoop one or more of the food products F into one or more of the containers C prior to consuming or serving one or more of the food products F. Alternatively, one or both of the holders 21 can be configured as openings formed in the front extension panel 25, such that one or both of the retention flaps 103, 105 could be omitted without departing from the disclosure.

[0034] It will be understood that the carton 15 can be formed, closed, and/or opened by other alternative methods and steps without departing from the disclosure.

[0035] Referring to Fig. 9, a blank 213 for forming a carton according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 213 and the carton formed therefrom may have substantially similar features as the blank 13 and carton 15 (Figs. 1, 6) of the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, but the lid panel 37 may be devoid of a lock, such as the lock 129 of the first exemplary embodiment, and the front extension flap 23 may be devoid of a tab (such as the tab 123 of the first exemplary embodiment) for forming an opening for receiving a lock. In this regard, a carton formed from the blank 213 can maintain closure of the lid 19 relative to the base 17 via engagement of the respective ledges 26, 28 with the respective extensions 86, 88, as described above.

[0036] Referring to Fig. 10, a carton 315 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The carton 10 may have substantially similar features as the blank 13 and the carton 15 (Figs. 1 and 6) of the first exemplary embodiment described herein, but may have a single central holder 21 with retention flaps 103, 105 formed in the shoulder 20. It will be understood that a different number and/or arrangement of retention flaps and holders can be provided without departing from the disclosure.

[0037] In general, the blanks described herein may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, sheet plastics or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the cartons to function at least generally as described above. The blanks 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.

[0038] 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 of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place, and is not intended to exclude heat, chemical, or frequency bonding techniques.

[0041] 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. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments, but various other combinations, modifications, and environments are within the scope of the disclosure 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.