Carton for articles.

CARDBOARD BOX FOR ITEMS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

This application claims the benefit of the US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 855,819, filed on May 24, 2013, and the US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 956,388, filed on June 7, 2013.

INCORPORATION THROUGH REFERENCE

The filings of the US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 855,819, which was filed on May 24, 2013, and the US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 956,388, which was filed on June 7, 2013 , are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE EXHIBITION

The present disclosure refers generally to cardboard boxes for containing beverage containers or other types of articles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to cardboard boxes configured to receive items in a grouped arrangement.

SUMMARY OF DESCRIPTION

In general, one aspect of the exhibition is directed to a cardboard box to contain a plurality of articles.

The cardboard box may comprise a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around the interior of the cardboard box. The plurality of panels may comprise a bottom panel, a top panel, and a side panel. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably attached to the respective panels of the plurality of panels. The at least two end flaps can form at least partially one at least partially closed end of the carton, and the at least two end flaps can comprise a first end flap foldably connected to the at least one panel of the plurality of panels on a first fold line and a second end flap foldably connected to the at least one panel on a second fold line. The second fold line is oblique relative to the first fold line.

In another aspect, the description is generally directed to a preform to form a carton to hold a plurality of items. The preform may comprise a plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, a top panel and a side panel and at least two end flaps respectively foldably attached to the respective panels of the plurality of panels. The at least two end flaps can be to form at least partially one end at least partially closed

<img file="MX368642B_D0001.tif" />

- 3 of the cardboard box formed from the preform, and the at least two end flaps may comprise a first end flap foldably connected to the at least one panel of the plurality of panels in a first fold line and a second end flap foldably connected to the at least one panel in a second fold line. The second fold line is oblique relative to the first fold line.

In another aspect, the description is generally directed to a method of forming a cardboard box to contain a plurality of articles. The method may comprise obtaining a preform comprising a plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, a top panel and a side panel and at least two end flaps respectively foldably attached to the respective panels of the plurality of panels. The at least two end flaps may comprise a first end flap foldably connected to the at least one panel of the plurality of panels on a first fold line and a second end flap foldably connected to the at least one panel on a second fold line. The second fold line is oblique relative to the first fold line. The method may further comprise forming the interior of the carton defined at least partially by the plurality of panels.

The formation of the interior of the cardboard box may comprise the formation of an open-ended sleeve. Additionally, the method may comprise forming an at least partially closed end of the carton by at least partially overlapping the at least two end flaps.

In another aspect, the description is generally directed to a package comprising a cardboard box and a plurality of articles. The cardboard box may comprise a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around the interior of the cardboard box. The plurality of panels can comprise a bottom panel, a top panel, and a side panel. At least two end flaps can respectively be foldably attached to the respective panels of the plurality of panels. The at least two end flaps may at least partially form an at least partially closed end of the carton, and the at least partially closed end may comprise a first portion and a second portion. At least one of the first portion and the second portion may be oblique with respect to the side panel. The plurality of articles may be arranged in a plurality of rows of articles comprising at least one first row generally aligned with the first portion of the at least partially closed end and a

<img file="MX368642B_D0002.tif" />

- 5 second row generally aligned with the second end portion at least partially closed. The first row may comprise at least one more item than the second row.

In another aspect, the description is generally directed to a method of forming a cardboard box containing a plurality of articles. The method may comprise obtaining a preform comprising a plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, a top panel and a side panel, and at least two end flaps respectively foldably attached to the respective panels of the plurality of panels. . The method may also comprise forming the interior of the carton at least partially defined by the plurality of panels. The formation of the interior of the cardboard box may comprise the formation of an open-ended sleeve. Furthermore, the method may comprise loading the plurality of articles inside the carton into a plurality of rows of articles comprising at least a first row and a second row. Additionally, the method may comprise forming an at least partially closed end of the carton by at least partially overlapping the at least two end flaps. The formation of the at least partially closed end may comprise the formation of a first portion and a second portion of the at least partially closed end such that at least one of the first portion and the second portion is oblique to the side panel and so that the first row is generally aligned with the first portion and the second row is generally aligned with the second portion.

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

In accordance with common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of the various features and elements in the drawings can be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the modalities of the description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a plan view of a preform to form a cardboard box according to the first embodiment of the description.

Figure 2 is a detailed end view of the preform of Figure 1 showing the lower end flaps and the side flaps.

Figures 3 to 7A are perspective views showing the formation of the cardboard box from the preform of Figure 1 according to the first embodiment of the description.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the assembled cardboard box according to the first embodiment of the description.

Figure 9 is a plan view of a preform to form a cardboard box according to the second embodiment of the description.

Figure 10 is a plan view of a preform to form a cardboard box according to the third embodiment of the description.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a cardboard box formed from the preform of Figure 10 according to the third embodiment of the description.

Figure 12 is a plan view of a preform to form a cardboard box according to the fourth embodiment of the description.

Figures 13 and 14 are perspective views showing the formation of the cardboard box from the preform of Figure 12 according to the fourth embodiment of the description.

Figures 15 and 16 are perspective views of the assembled cardboard box according to the fourth embodiment of the description.

Figure 17 is a plan view of a preform for forming a cardboard box according to the fifth embodiment of the description.

Figures 18 to 21 are perspective views showing the formation of the cardboard box from the preform of Figure 17 according to the fifth embodiment of the description.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the assembled cardboard box according to the fifth embodiment of the description.

Figure 23 is a plan view of a preform for forming a cardboard box according to the sixth embodiment of the description.

Figures 24 and 25 are perspective views showing the formation of the cardboard box from the preform of Figure 23 according to the sixth embodiment of the description.

Figure 26 is a perspective view of the assembled cardboard box according to the sixth embodiment of the description.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of the cardboard box of Figure 26 with a distributor operated according to the sixth embodiment of the description.

Figure 28 is a plan view of a preform for forming a cardboard box according to the seventh embodiment of the description.

Figures 29 and 30 are perspective views of the assembled cardboard box according to the seventh embodiment of the description.

Figures 31 and 32 are perspective views of the cardboard box showing the removal of the distributor panel according to the seventh embodiment of the description.

Figure 33 is a perspective view of the cardboard box with the distributor panel removed according to the seventh embodiment of the description.

Figure 34 is a perspective view of a cardboard box according to the eighth embodiment of the description.

Figure 35 shows various perspective views of article arrangements that can be used with the various forms of description or with alternative forms of description.

Throughout the drawings, the corresponding parts are designated by the corresponding reference numbers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY MODALITY

The present description generally refers to cardboard boxes containing articles such as containers, bottles, cans, etc. The articles can be used, for example, to package food and beverage products.

The articles may be produced from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage article and the materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum and / or other metals; glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and nylon, and the like, or any combination thereof.

Cardboard boxes according to the present invention can accommodate articles of any configuration. For purposes of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the description, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (eg, glass beverage bottles or aluminum cans) arranged within the carton modalities. In this specification, the terms interior, exterior, low, bottom, high, and top indicate the orientations determined in relation to fully assembled and vertical cardboard boxes.

Figure 1 is a plan view of the outer side 1 of a preform, generally indicated at 3, used to form a cardboard box 5 (Figures 7 and 8) according to the first exemplary embodiment of the description. The cardboard box 5 can be used to house a plurality of articles such as containers in the form of beverage bottles B (Figure 35). In the first embodiment, the carton 5 is dimensioned configured to contain twenty-six bottles B on a single level in a grouped arrangement having two outer rows of six bottles per row and two inner rows of seven bottles per row. Figure 35 shows various arrangements of grouped bottles that can be used with the first embodiment, or other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the description. The grouped arrangement NI in Figure 35 is the twenty-six pack package configured for the carton 5 of the first embodiment. Cardboard box 5 includes features to facilitate the preservation of the board material when containers B are housed in a grouped arrangement. Additionally, in one embodiment, the carton 5 may be more distinguishable on a shelf by having a different appearance than other cartons.

Figure 35 shows a grouped package arrangement including arrangement N2 with twenty two bottles B, arrangement N3 with 18 bottles B, arrangement N4 with 14 bottles B, arrangement N5 with 10 bottles, additional arrangements N6 to N9 of bottles B , and additional provisions N10 to N13 of cans C. The provisions NI to N5 and / or other provisions shown and not shown in the illustrated embodiments may be considered as fully grouped arrangements. In one embodiment, a fully grouped package arrangement may have at least one outer row and at least one inner row, wherein each of the inner rows may have at least one more container than the outer row. For example, the grouped arrangement NI may have six packages in each of the two outer rows and seven packages in each of the two inner rows, where each of the outer rows is grouped with an respectively adjacent inner row. In one embodiment, at least arrangements N6 to Nll can be considered inverted or internal grouped arrangements because one or more of the inner rows of containers B or C are generally shorter than the outer rows of containers. Other grouped or non-grouped arrangements of packages, including bottles B or cans C, may be provided without departing from the description.

The preform 3 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the preform 3 comprises a bottom panel 10 foldably connected to the first side panel 20 on a second fold side line 21, a first top panel 30 foldably connected to the first side panel 20 on a second side line bending 31, a second side panel 40 foldably connected to the bottom panel on a third fold side line 41 and a second top panel 50 foldably connected to the second side panel on a fourth fold side line 51.

The bottom panel 10 is foldably connected to a first group of bottom end flaps comprising three bottom end flaps 12, 14, 16, respectively foldably connected to the bottom panel on the respective fold lines 13, 15, 17 . In one embodiment, the lower end flaps 12, 16 are corner lower end flaps that are oblique to the side panels 20, 40 and to the lower end flap 14 when assembling the carton 5. The first panel Side 20 is foldably connected to a first side end flap 22 on a rhombic corner panel 24. The rhombic corner panel 24 is foldably connected to the side end flap 22 in a fold line 25 and foldably connected to the side panel 20 in the fold line 27. The first top panel 30 is connected foldable to a first top end flap 32 in a respective fold line 33. Similarly, the second side panel 40 is foldably connected to a second side end flap 42 on a rhombic corner panel 44. Rhombic corner panel 44 is foldably connected to side end flap 42 in a fold line 45 and foldably connected to second side panel 40 in fold line 47. Second upper panel 50 is connected from way

- 14 foldable to a second upper end flap 52 in a respective fold line 53. In an alternative embodiment, rhombic corner panels 24, 44 can be omitted. One or more of the bottom end flaps 12, 14, 16, side end flaps 22, 42 and top end flaps 32, 52 may be omitted or may be formed, arranged, configured and / or positioned other way without departing from the description.

In one embodiment, the first top panel 30 is foldably connected to the first side end flap 22 in a gusset 54 including a first gusset panel 56 and a second gusset panel 58. The second gusset panel 58 is bendably connected to the first lateral end flap 22 in a portion 31a of the fold line 31 and foldably connected to the second reinforcing panel 58 in an oblique fold line 57. The first reinforcing panel 56 is foldably connected to the first top panel 30 in an oblique bending line 59. Similarly, a gusset 64 foldably connects the second side end flap 42 and the second top panel 50. The second Backing 64 includes a first backing panel 66 and a second backing panel 68. The first reinforcing panel 66 is foldably connected to the second lateral end flap 42 in a portion 51a of the fold line 51 and is foldably connected to the second reinforcing panel 68 in an oblique fold line 67. The second panel reinforcement 68 is foldably connected to the second top panel 50 in an oblique bending line 69. Reinforcements 54, 64 can be omitted or can be formed, arranged, configured and / or otherwise positioned without departing from the description.

In the illustrated embodiment, the preform 3 is generally a mirror image around its longitudinal centerline CL such that the end flaps 12, 14, 16, 22, 32, 42, 52 and the stiffeners 54, 64 that are They extend along a marginal area of ​​the preform have similar or identical features in the second marginal area of ​​the preform that are mirror images of the features in the first marginal area of ​​the preform. The end flaps 12, 14, 16, 22, 32, 42, 52 and reinforcements 54, 64 in the first marginal area of ​​the preform are configured to close a first end 71 of the carton 5 and the end flaps 12, 14, 16, 22, 32, 42, 52 and the reinforcements 54, 64 in the second marginal area of ​​the preform are configured to close a second end 73 of the cardboard box (Figures 7, 7A and 8). One or both ends 71, 7 3 of the carton may be formed, arranged, configured and / or otherwise positioned without departing from the description.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the lower end flaps 12, 16 has a respective oblique fold line 75, 77 that extends at least partially through the end flap. Each of the lower end flaps 12, 14, 16 has a respective longitudinal fold line 79, 81, 83 that extends across the width of the respective lower end flap to form a foldable outer portion 12a, 14a, 16a and a base portion 12b, 14b, 16b of each respective bottom end flap. As shown in Figure 2, each of the base portions 12b, 16b of the respective bottom end flaps 12, 16 comprise a first section 12c, 16c (eg, the base section) foldably connected to a second section 12d, 16d (eg, the base section) along the respective fold lines 75, 77. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base sections 12c, 16c of the respective bottom end flaps 12, 16 are foldably connected to the respective outer portions 12a, 16a of the respective bottom end flaps 12, 16 along the respective longitudinal fold lines 79, 83 and are foldably connected to the respective lateral end flaps 22, 42 along a portion 21a, Respective 41a of the respective side bend lines 21, 41. The second base sections 12d, 16d of the respective bottom end panels 12, 16 are foldably connected to the bottom panel 10 along the respective oblique bend lines 13 , 17. The outer portion 14a is foldably connected to the base portion 14b of the lower end flap 14 along longitudinal fold line 81, and the base portion 14b of the lower end flap 14 is foldably connected to the bottom panel 10 along fold line 15. Each of the side end flaps 22, 42 has a fold line 99, 101 that extends through a respective portion of the side end flap 22, 42 to at least partially define a foldable outer portion 22a, 42a, and a base portion 22b, 42b of each side end flap. The foldable outer portions 22a, 42a are foldably connected to the respective base portions 22b, 42b, and the base portions are foldably connected to the respective rhombic corner panel 24, 44. Any one of the lower end flaps 12, 14, 16 and the side end flaps 22, 42 could be omitted or could be formed, arranged, configured and / or otherwise positioned without departing from the description.

As shown in Figure 1, each of the side panels 20, 40 includes a respective side bend line 85, 87 which extends through each respective side panel and through a respective adjacent rhombic corner panel 24, 44 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the side end flaps 22, 42 includes a respective cut 91, 93 extending from a respective fold line 85, 87. The cuts 91, 93 are aligned with an opening 95, 97 in a respective side end flap 22, 42. The cuts 91. 93 and the openings 95, 97 divide each of the side end flaps 22, 42 into two portions that can be independently bent relative to each other at the respective portions of the fold lines 25, 45 connecting the side end flaps to a respective rhombic corner panel 24, 44. One or more of fold lines 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, cut lines 91, 93, and openings 95, 97 may be omitted without departing from the description.

In one embodiment, the first top panel 30 and the second top panel 50 have handle characteristics to form a handle 105 in the carton 5 (Figures 7, 7A and 8). As shown in Figure 1, the handle features include a first handle panel 107 extending into the first top panel 30 and into the upper end flaps 32, a handle stiffener flap 109 foldably connected to the first handle panel 107, a second handle panel 111 foldably connected to the second top panel 50 at fold line 113 and extending toward the first top end flap 52, and a third handle panel 115 foldably connected to the second top panel 50 at fold line 117 and extending toward the second top end flap 52. The first handle panel 107 may be removable from the first top panel 30 and the upper end flaps 32 along cut or detach lines 108 (eg, cuts with incisions spaced along them). The second handle panel 111 can be detachable from the second top panel 50 and the first top end flap 52 along two cuts 112, 114 and the third handle panel 115 can be detachable from the second top panel 50 and the second flap top end 52 along two cuts 116, 118. When assembling the cardboard box 5, the first handle panel may at least partially overlap and / or may at least partially adhere to the second and third handle panels 111, 115 to form the handle 105. In one embodiment, the handle 105 can be operated by holding the first handle panel 107 in an access feature 110 and pulling up on the first handle panel 107. Handle 105 and handle features can be omitted or can be formed, arranged, configured and / or otherwise positioned without departing from the description.

Figures 3 to 8 show various features and steps of an exemplary method of forming the cardboard box 5 from the preform 3. As shown in Figure 3, the side panels 20, 40 are positioned relative to the bottom panel 10 and the first top panel 30 and the second top panel 50 are overlapped (Figure 5) to form an open-ended sleeve 121 (Figures 3 to 5). In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the inner surface of the first top panel 30 is adhered to at least a portion of the outer surface of the second top panel 50. The handle reinforcing panel 109 can be folded along the line peel 108 into face-to-face contact with the first handle panel 107. The handle reinforcing panel 109 may be adhered to the handle panel 107 in one embodiment. Alternatively, the handle reinforcing panel 109 could remain flat with the rest of the first top panel 30 and may adhere to the outer surface of the second top panel 50. The top end flap 32 may overlap and / or adhere to the end flap upper 52 (Figures 5 to 7). In one embodiment, containers B are grouped together and loaded into open-ended sleeve 121 in the NI grouped configuration shown in Figure 35. One of the ends 71, 73 can be closed before loading the containers B or the ends can remain open during the loading of the containers without departing from the description. Furthermore, containers B can be arranged in a different grouped configuration (eg, NI to N9 grouped configurations or any other grouped configuration).

<img file="MX368642B_D0003.tif" />

- 21 As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the closure of one of the ends 71 ​​of the cardboard box 5 is shown and will be described, but the closure of the other end 73 may be identical to that of the end 71 described herein. . Alternatively, the end 73 may have other characteristics and / or could have other closing steps without departing from the description. As shown in Figure 4, the bottom end flaps 12, 16 are folded inward over fold lines 13, 17 by folding each end flap 12, 16 into a respective oblique fold line 75, 77 so that they are elevate each oblique fold line. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portions 12b, 16b of the respective bottom end flaps 12, 16 are folded along the oblique bend lines 75, 77 such that the base sections 12c, 16c overlap the respective base sections 12d, 16d of the respective bottom end flaps 12, 16. In one embodiment, the outer portions 12a, 16a of the respective lower end flaps 12, 16 may overlap at least partially with respect to each other and may be generally aligned with the longitudinal fold line 15 (Figure 5). Each adjacent side flap 22, 42 is folded inward by means of the foldable connection with a respective bottom end flap 12, 16 at portions 21a, 41a of fold lines 21, 41. When adjacent side end flaps 22, 42 are folded inward, portion 21a, 41a of fold line 21, 41 connecting a respective side end flap to a respective bottom end flap 12, 16 is brought to a superimposed or closely adjacent relationship with the oblique bend line 13, 17 connecting the respective bottom end flap to the bottom panel 10 (Figure 5). The lower portions of the side end flaps 22, 42 under the cuts 91, 93 can be adhesively connected to the lower end flaps 12, 16 folded inward to partially close a lower end portion 71 of the carton 5 In one embodiment, the base portions 22b, 42b of the respective side end flaps 22, 42 can be adhered to the respective base sections 12c, 16c of the respective bottom end flaps 12, 16.

The top portions of the side end flaps 22, 42 can then be folded inward to the position shown in Figure 6 to further close the end 71 of the carton 5. Alternatively, the top and bottom portions of the flaps of Side ends 22, 42 can be closed at the same time. As the upper portion of the side end flap 22 folds inward, the gusset 54 can be folded inwardly 123 into the open-ended sheath 121 along fold lines 57, 59 and along of portion 31a of fold line 31. Similarly, as the upper portion of the side end flap 42 folds inward, the gusset 64 5 can be folded inwardly 123 into the open-ended sheath 121 along the fold lines 67 , 69 and along portion 51a of fold line 51. In one embodiment, any of the gussets 54, 64 may be bent against respective top panels 10, 30, 50 or respective side end flaps 22, 42.

The overlapping top end flaps 32, 52 can be folded down from the position in Figure 6 and the bottom end flap 14 can be folded up to partially overlap the top folded down end flaps 15 (Figure 7). Glue or other adhesive can be used to secure the bottom end flap 14 and top end flaps 32, 52.

Furthermore, the outwardly foldable portions 12a, 16a of the lower end flaps 12, 16 may overlap and be secured to the outwardly foldable portions 22a, 42a of the lateral end flaps 22, 42. Additionally, the upper end flaps 32, 52 may adhere to one or more of the outer end portions 22a, 42a of the side end flaps 22, 42, and the lower end flap 14 25 may adhere to one or more of the outer portion 22a,

42a of the side end flaps 22, 42 and to the outer portions of the bottom end flaps 12, 16. The ends 71, 73 can be used for other forming or bending steps as described herein without departing from the description. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the top end flaps 32, 52 may overlap at least partially with the end flap.

<td rowspan="2">lower</td><td colspan="2"> 14.</td><td rowspan="2">Figures 7,</td><td rowspan="2">7A and 8, the</td>

<td>How</td><td>shown in</td>

<td>extremes</td><td> 71,</td><td>73 from the box</td><td colspan="2">carton 5 have one lot</td>

<td>central</td><td> 131</td><td colspan="2">generally perpendicular to</td><td>panels</td>

<td>lateral</td><td> 20,</td><td>40 and generally</td><td>is aligned</td><td>with the lines</td>

<td colspan="2">bending 15,</td><td>33, 53. The</td><td>ends 71,</td><td>73 have two</td>

<td>servings</td><td colspan="2">oblique sides</td><td colspan="2">133, 135 on one side</td>

<td colspan="2">respective of</td><td colspan="2">the central portion 131 which</td><td>they find each other</td>

respectively aligned with the fold lines 13, 17. The central portion 131 may comprise the overlapping upper end flaps 32, 52, the lower end flap 14, some or all of the outer portions 12a, 16a of the lower end flaps 12 , 16 and the outer portions 42a, 22a of the side end flaps 12b, 16b (including the portions of the base sections 12c, 16c and / or 12d, 16d). The oblique side portions 133, 135 may include respective base portions 42b, 22b of the side end flaps 22, 42 and the base portions 12b, 16b (with base sections 12c, 12d and 16c, 16d respectively overlapping). In the illustrated embodiment, the configuration of the ends 71, 73 with the central portion 131 and the oblique side portions 133, 135 facilitates the reception of the grouped arrangement NI

<td>(Figure</td><td> 35)</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>packaging B.</td><td>In</td><td>a modality,</td><td>the</td>

<td colspan="2">provision</td><td colspan="2">grouped</td><td>NI includes two</td><td colspan="2">end packaging</td><td>B1</td>

<td>(Figure</td><td> 35)</td><td>in</td><td>the</td><td colspan="2">two middle rows</td><td>packaging</td><td>than</td>

<td colspan="3">are placed</td><td>for</td><td>be adjacent to</td><td>the</td><td>central portion</td><td> 131</td>

one end 71, 73 of the carton 5, and two end packages B2 of a respective outer row of the packages which are positioned to be adjacent to a respective oblique side portion 133, 135 of the ends 71, 73. Either of the ends 71, 73 of the carton 5 could be formed, arranged, positioned and / or otherwise configured without departing from the description, and the grouped arrangement NI could be an alternative grouped arrangement (eg, the grouped arrangement N2 to N9 or a grouped arrangement configured otherwise) without departing from the description.

Figure 9 is a plan view of a 3 'preform to form a cardboard box (not shown) of a second embodiment of the disclosure. The second modality is generally similar to the first modality, except for the noted variations and the variations that will be apparent from ordinary experience in the art. Accordingly, the same or similar reference numbers have been provided for similar or identical features of the embodiments. The preform 3 'has article protection flaps 103 on the bottom panel 10. The article protection flaps 103 are to be folded up relative to the bottom panel 10 to be located between adjacent packages B in the grouped arrangement NI. The article protection flaps 103 protect packages B by providing cushioning between adjacent packages that reduces breakage of the packages. In one embodiment, the article protection flaps 103 and / or other article protection characteristics may be similar or identical to the characteristics described in any of the modalities described in US Patent Application No. 13 / 768,079, which was filed on March 14, 2012, US Patent Application No. 13 / 768,079 that was filed on February 15, 2013, and US Patent Application No. 13 / 833,542 that was filed on March 15, 2013, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in its entirety. The article protection flaps 103 can be formed, arranged, positioned and / or configured in another way without departing from the description.

- 27 Figure 10 is a plan view of a preform 203 to form a cardboard box 205 (Figure 11) of the third embodiment of the description. The third modality is generally similar to the first modality, except for the noted variations and the variations that will be apparent from ordinary experience in the art. Accordingly, the same or similar reference numbers have been provided for similar or identical features of the embodiments. Preform 203 includes handle openings 308 in the side end flaps 222, 242 to form handles 305 (Figure 11) on both sides 271, 273 of the carton. A handle flap 307 may be foldably connected to the respective fastening portions 310 of the respective side end flaps 222, 242 along the side fold lines 309 adjacent to each of the handle openings 308. As shown in Figure 10, the side end flaps 222, 242 can be foldably connected to the respective side panels 220, 240 along the respective longitudinal fold lines 225, 245 and each of the Side ends 222, 242 may include an outer portion 222a, 242a foldably connected to a respective base portion 222b, 242b. In the illustrated embodiment, handle openings 308 may be provided in base portions 222b, 242b of side end flaps 222, 242. In an alternative embodiment, rhombic corner panels 24, 44 of the first embodiment may be included. As shown in Figure 10, the cuts 91, 93 and the openings 95, 97 in the respective side end flaps 22, 42 of the first embodiment can be omitted from the side end flaps 222, 242, and the fold lines Side panels 85, 87 on side panels 20, 40 can be omitted on side panels 220, 240. Alternatively, any of cuts 91, 93, openings 95, 97 and fold lines 85, 87 may be included in the preform.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, preform 203 may include handle features on second side panel 240 to form a handle 305 'on carton 205. Handle features may include handle openings 308' on the second side panel 240 (and / or on any of panels 10, 220, 230, 250). The handle flaps 307 'are foldably connected to a fastening portion 310' of the second side panel 240 along the respective side fold lines 309 '. Any of the handle openings 308, 308 'and / or the handle flaps 307, 307' could be omitted or could be formed, arranged, configured and / or otherwise positioned without departing from the description. For example, preform 203 and carton 205 may omit handle openings 308 'and handle flaps 307' and / or one or more of handle openings 308 and handle flaps 307.

Figures 12 to 16 illustrate the fourth embodiment of the description including a cardboard box 405 formed from a preform 403. The fourth embodiment is generally similar to the first embodiment except for the noted variations and the variations that will be apparent to the of ordinary experience in the art. Accordingly, the same or similar reference numbers have been provided for similar or identical features of the embodiments. In the fourth embodiment, the preform 403 and the carton 405 are configured to hold fourteen containers B in the grouped arrangement N4 shown in Figure 35. In the embodiment of Figure 12, the preform 403 does not have rhombic corner panels 24 , 44 (Figure 1), so that the side end flaps 422, 442 are foldably connected to a respective side panel 420, 440 in a longitudinal fold line 425, 445. In an alternative embodiment, rhombic corner panels 24, 44 may be included in preform 403. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the side end flaps 422, 442 may include an outer portion 422a, 442a foldably connected to a base portion 422b, 442b. As shown in Figure 12, the cuts 91, 93 and the openings 95, 97 in the respective side end flaps 22, 42 of the first embodiment may be omitted in the side end flaps 422, 442 and the side fold lines 85, 87 in side panels 20, 40 can be omitted in side panels 420, 440. Alternatively, any of the 5 cuts 91, 93, openings 95, 97 and fold lines 85, 87 can be included in preform 403 .

As shown in Figure 12, bottom panel 410 can be foldably connected to bottom end flaps 412, 416 along oblique fold lines 13, 17 and to bottom end flap 414 along a longitudinal fold line 15. The lower end flaps 412, 414, 416 are generally similar to the lower end flaps 12, 14, 16 of the first embodiment (Figure 1) except that the

<td> 15</td><td>servings</td><td>outdoor</td><td>12a,</td><td>14a, 16a at</td><td>lapels</td><td>extreme</td>

<td></td><td>lower</td><td> 412, 414,</td><td> 416.</td><td>The flaps of</td><td>extreme</td><td>lower</td>

<td></td><td> 412, 416</td><td>include</td><td>a</td><td>first section</td><td>base</td><td>412c, 416c</td>

<td></td><td>respective</td><td>connected</td><td>of</td><td>foldable way</td><td>to one</td><td>respective</td>

<td></td><td colspan="2">second base section</td><td>412d,</td><td>416d throughout</td><td>of the</td><td>respective</td>

<td> 20</td><td>lines of</td><td colspan="2">oblique fold</td><td> 75, 77.</td><td></td><td></td>

As shown in Figure 12, the first top panel 430 and the second top panel 450 of the preform 403 have alternate features for forming the handle 505. The handle features may include a 25-handle panel 507 that can be separated from the first panel. higher 430 a

<img file="MX368642B_D0004.tif" />

- 31 along a cut or break line 508 extending towards the upper end flaps 432. A first handle reinforcing flap 509a is foldably connected to reinforcing end flaps 434, which are connected in a manner foldable to respective upper end flaps 432 along side fold lines 435. An opening 510 may extend between handle panel 507 and first handle reinforcing flap 509a. Inner handle panels 511 may extend from the second upper end flaps 452 adjacent to the respective openings 512 in the second upper panel 450, and a second handle reinforcing panel 509b is foldably connected to the reinforcing end flaps 454, which are foldably connected to the respective top end flaps 452 along the side fold lines 455. As shown in Figure 12, the second handle reinforcing flap 509b can be separated from the second top panel 450 along a cut or peel line 514. The handle features may include two handle flaps 515 connected in a manner foldable to first handle panel 507 along respective side fold lines. One or more of the handle features may be omitted or they may be formed, arranged, positioned and / or otherwise configured without departing from the description.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the cardboard box 405 can be assembled similarly to the cardboard box 5 in the first embodiment. Panels 420, 440, 430, 450 can be bent relative to bottom panel 410 to form an open-ended sleeve 521 (Figure 13). The handle reinforcing panels 509a, 509b and the respective reinforcing flaps 434, 454 can be folded along the side fold lines 435, 455 so that the handle reinforcing panels 509a, 509b are at least partially in face-to-face contact with the first handle panel 507 and the second handle panels 511, respectively, and the reinforcing end flaps 434, 454 are at least partially in face-to-face contact with the respective top end flaps 432, 452. When the first top panel 430 is positioned to overlap at least partially with the second top panel 450, the first handle panel 507 and the first Handle reinforcement panel 509a are positioned to overlap at least partially with the second handle panels 511 and the second handle reinforcement panel 509b. Additionally, the upper end flaps 432 and the reinforcing end flaps 434 may overlap with the upper end flaps 452 and the reinforcing end flaps 454. The top panels, the handle panels, the handle reinforcement panels, the upper end flaps and / or the reinforcing end flaps may be at least partially adhered to form the handle 505 and the top of the carton (Figures 15 and 16). The user can hold the handle 505 by folding the handle flaps 515 down or up to transport the carton.

In the illustrated embodiment, packages B can be loaded in grouped configuration N4 into open-ended sleeve 521 before or after closing either end 471, 473. The first end 471 can be closed by bending up the oblique bending lines 75, 77 of the lower end flaps 412, 416 and inwardly folding the side end flaps 422, 442 so that the base portions 422b, 442b of the side end flaps 422, 442 overlap the respective bottom end flaps 412, 416 and base sections 412c, 416c of bottom end flaps 412, 416 overlap with respective base sections 412d, 416d. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the top end flaps 432, 452 and the reinforcing end flaps 434, 454 can be folded down to overlap with the outer portions 422a, 442a of the side end flaps 422, 442 , and the bottom end flap 414 can be folded up to overlap with the outer portions 422a, 442a of the side end flaps 422, 442. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 15, the bottom end flap 414, the top end flaps 432, 452, the reinforcing end flaps 434, 454 and the outer portions 422a, 442a of the side end flaps, they form the central portion 531 of the first end 471, the lower end flap 416 and the base portion 422b of the lateral end flap 422 form the first oblique portion 533 of the first end 471, and bottom end flap 412 and base portion 422b of side end flap 442 form the second oblique portion 535 of the first end 471. The second end 473 may be formed in substantially the same manner as the first end 471. Alternatively, the ends 471, 473, may be different.

The preform 403 and the cardboard box 405 can be formed, arranged and / or configured in another way without departing from the description.

Figures 17 to 22 illustrate the fifth embodiment of the description including a cardboard box 605 (Figure 22) formed from a preform 603. The fifth embodiment is generally similar to the first embodiment, except for noted variations and variations which will be apparent to the ordinary technician. Accordingly, the same or similar reference numbers have been provided for similar or identical features of the embodiments. In the fifth embodiment, preform 603 and carton 605 are configured to hold twenty-two 12-ounce C-shaped beverage cans arranged in a grouped arrangement similar to the grouped arrangement N2 shown for bottles B in Figure 35. . In the embodiment of Figure 17, preform 603 has bottom end flaps 612, 614, 616 and side end flaps 622, 642 that close similarly to the first embodiment to form a central portion 731 and two portions. oblique 733, 735 at each end 671, 673 of cardboard box 405 (Figure 22).

As shown in Figure 17, the lower end flaps 612, 614, 616 in the fifth embodiment may be slightly different in shape from the end flaps 12, 14, 16 in the first embodiment, but are otherwise generally the same. The lower end flaps 614 may be separable from the lower end flaps 612, 616 along the respective breakout or cut lines 660. The side panels 620, 640 are similar to the side panels 20, 40 of the first embodiment, except that the respective side fold lines 85, 87 and the rhombic corner panels 24, 44 are omitted. Accordingly, the end flaps Side panels 622, 642 are foldably connected to the respective side panels 620, 640 along the longitudinal fold lines 625, 645. The flaps of

- 36 side ends 622, 642 may otherwise be generally the same as the side end flaps 22, 42 of the first embodiment.

As shown in Figures 18 to 21, preform 603 can be assembled in an open-ended sleeve 721 (Figures 18 to 20), containers C can be loaded in a grouped configuration N4, and end 671 can be closed similarly to the first modality. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 22, the closed end 671 of the carton 605 may have a central portion 731 generally perpendicular to the side panels 620, 640, and two oblique portions 733, 735 that are oblique with respect to the side panels 620, 640 and the central portion 731. The preform 603 and / or the cardboard box 605 can be formed, arranged, and / or configured in another way without departing from the description.

Figures 23 to 27 illustrate the sixth embodiment of the description and include a cardboard box 805 formed from a preform 803. The sixth embodiment is generally similar to the first and fifth embodiments, except for the noted variations and the variations that will be apparent to that of ordinary experience in the art. Accordingly, the same or similar reference numbers have been provided for similar or identical features of the embodiments.

In the sixth embodiment, preform 803 and carton 805 are configured to hold thirteen 12-ounce C-shaped beverage cans arranged in a grouped arrangement with the middle row having five containers and the outer two rows having four containers each one (eg, packages C may be arranged in grouped arrangement N13 shown in Figure 35). In the embodiment of Figure 23, the preform 803 has the bottom end flaps 612, 614, 616 and the side end flaps 622, 642 of the fifth embodiment. The general shapes of the flaps may be different in the illustrated embodiment.

Preform 803 may include two distributor patterns 806 to form respective distributors 808 at each end 871, 873 of carton 805 (Figure 27). Each of distributor patterns 806 and distributors 808 may include a distributor panel 941 defined by a peel line 943. In one embodiment, each distributor panel 941 includes portions of the second side panel 840, the second top panel 50, the side end flap 842, the bottom end flap 812, and the bottom panel 10. Accordingly, each of the breakout lines 943 includes a first curved portion 945a extending in the second top panel 50 from one end of the oblique bend line 69 to the second side panel 840, a second curved portion

<img file="MX368642B_D0005.tif" />

945b extending from one edge of the bottom end flap 812 and on the bottom panel 10 to the second side panel 840, and a generally longitudinal portion 945c extending from one end of the first curved portion 945a to one end of the second curved portion 945b. An opening feature 947 may be formed in the second side panel 840 adjacent the longitudinal portion 945c of the breakout line 943. Opening feature 947 can assist in initiating detachment of detachment line 943 to at least partially remove manifold panel 941. In one embodiment, bend line 79 and / or bend line 101 in the respective end flaps 812, 842 may be breakout lines. Distributor panels 941, stripping lines 943 and / or distributors 808 may be formed, arranged, positioned and / or otherwise configured without departing from the description. Furthermore, one or both of the distributor 808 and the distributor panels 941 can be omitted without departing from the description.

As shown in Figures 24 and 25, preform 803 can be assembled in an open-ended sleeve 921 (Figure 24), containers C can be loaded into the sleeve (eg, in a grouped arrangement N13) and ends 871, 873 they can be closed in a similar way to the first and fifth modalities. Therefore, as shown in the

Figures 26 and 27, the closed ends 871, 873 of the cardboard box 805 may have a central portion 931 generally perpendicular to the side panels 820, 840, and two oblique portions 933, 935 that are oblique to the side panels 820 , 840 and to the central portion 931. In one embodiment, the central portion 931 of the cardboard box 805 has a width DI close to the bottom of the cardboard box 805 less than the width D2 of the central portion close to the top of the cardboard box. As shown in Figure 26, the distance DI can be the width of the center bottom end flap 814 and the distance D2 can be the maximum width of the overlapping top end flaps 32, 52.

Figure 27 shows the cardboard box 805 with one of the distributor panels 941 of the distributor 808 removed from the distributor opening 949 at one end 871 of the cardboard box. Cardboard box 505 can rotate 90 degrees from the transport position (Figure 26) to the dispenser position (Figure 27). In the dispenser position, the cardboard box 805 is placed with the first side panel 820 positioned on a support surface S and the second side panel 840 positioned opposite the support surface. Removal of dispenser panels 941 in the dispenser position of Figure 28 creates dispenser openings 949, allows access to containers C, and helps prevent unintentional removal of containers. Container row C adjacent to second side panel 840 has four containers and the middle row of containers with five containers is retained in the carton by the remaining portions of the end flaps 812, 814, 816, 822, 842 , 852, 832 at the closed end 871, 873. The preform 803 and / or the cardboard box 805 can be formed, arranged, positioned and / or configured in another way without departing from the description.

Figures 28 to 33 illustrate the seventh embodiment of the description including a cardboard box 1005 formed from a preform 1003. The seventh embodiment is generally similar to the first and sixth modalities, except for the noted variations and the variations that will be apparent to that of ordinary experience in the art. Accordingly, the same or similar reference numbers have been provided for similar or identical features of the embodiments. In the seventh embodiment, preform 1003 and carton 1005 are configured to hold nine containers in the form of 12-ounce C cans for beverages arranged on two levels: a lower level that has five containers and an upper level that has four containers. . The two packaging levels are configured such that the ends 1071, 1073 of the carton 1005 are angled inward from the bottom of the carton 1005 to the top of the carton. Containers C can be formed, arranged, positioned and / or configured in another way without departing from the description.

In the embodiment of Figures 28 to 33, preform 1003 comprises a bottom panel 1010, a first side panel 1020 foldably connected to bottom panel 1010 along a side bend line 1021, a top panel 1030 connected in a manner foldable to the first side panel 1020 along a side fold line 1031, and a second side panel 1040 foldably connected to the bottom panel 1010 along a side fold line 1041. An adhesive or bonding flap 1050 is foldably connected to the second side panel 1040 along a side fold line 1051 for adhesive bonding to the top panel 1030. In one embodiment, the preform 1003 has an upper side end flap 1022 foldably connected to the first side panel 1020 in a slant line 1023 and a lower side end flap 1024 doubly connected to the first side panel 1020 in a longitudinal bending line 1025. Similarly, preform 1003 has a top side end flap 1042 foldably connected to the second side panel 1040 in an oblique bend line 1043 and a bottom side end flap 1044 connected in a manner

<img file="MX368642B_D0006.tif" />

foldable to the second side panel 1040 in a longitudinal fold line 1045. The preform 1003 includes a top end flap 1032 foldably connected to the top panel 1030 in a longitudinal fold line 1033 and a bottom end flap 1014 foldably connected to bottom panel 1010 on a longitudinal fold line 1015. The end flaps 1014, 1022, 1024, 1032, 1042, 1044 may overlap one another to at least partially close the first end 1071 of the carton. Additionally, the second end of the preform 1003 includes respective end flaps 1014, 1022, 1024, 1032, 1042, 1044 that close the second end 1073 of the cardboard box 1005 that are identical to the end flaps to close the first end. 1071 of the cardboard box. Alternatively, the ends 1071, 1073 may be different from each other. The preform 1003 could be formed, arranged, positioned and / or configured in another way without departing from the description.

As shown in Figure 28, each of the side panels 1020, 1040 includes a respective oblique edge 1013, 1017 which extends from the respective ends of the longitudinal bend line 1015 to the respective longitudinal bend line 1025, 1045. The lower end flap 1014 includes an outer portion 1014a foldably connected to a base portion 1014b along a longitudinal fold line 1081. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 1014b is to be positioned to obliquely extend from the bottom panel 1010 along the oblique edges 1013, 1017 when assembling the cardboard box 1005.

In the embodiment of Figures 28 to 33, the carton 605 includes two dispenser patterns 1006, each including a dispenser panel 1141 defined by a respective peel line 1143 in the preform 1003 to form a dispenser 1008 at each end 1071 , 1073 of cardboard box 1005 (Figures 29 and 30). In one embodiment, each distributor panel 1141 includes portions of the first side panel 1020, the top panel 1030, the second side panel 1040, the tie flap 1050, the top end flap 1032, and the top side end flaps 1022, 1042. As shown in

FIG. 28, stripping line 1143 may include a first curved portion 1145a extending in the first side panel 1020 from one end of the oblique bend line 1023 to the top panel 1030, a second curved portion 1145b extending in the second side panel 1040 toward the joint flap 1050, a first longitudinal portion 1145c extending from the end of the first curved portion 1145a to an edge of the top panel 1030, and a second longitudinal portion 1145d extending from the end of the second curved portion 1145b to an edge of the junction flap 1050. When assembling the cardboard box 1005, the first longitudinal portion 1145c may at least partially overlap with the second longitudinal portion 1145d. In one embodiment, each of the top end flaps 1032 may include an outer portion 1032a that can be separated from the base portion 1032b along a third longitudinal portion 1045e of the strip line 1143. An access feature 1147 may be formed in the top panel 1030 adjacent the first longitudinal portion 1145c of the breakout line 1143 to assist in initiating the breakout of the breakout line 1143 when the manifold 1008 is operated. breakout lines 1143 or distributors 1008 can be formed, arranged and / or configured in another way without departing from the description. Furthermore, one or both of the distributors 1008 and the distributor panels 1141 can be omitted without departing from the description.

In one embodiment, the cardboard box 1005 includes a handle 1105 formed in the top panel 1030 to hold and transport the cardboard box 1005. The handle 1105 may include a handle panel 1107 foldably connected to the top panel 1030 lengthwise. of a longitudinal bend line 1108. Handle 1105 could be omitted or could be formed, arranged, positioned and / or configured in another way without departing from the description.

In one embodiment, the beverage cans C have respective E-ends and cylindrical sides Si extending between the ends (eg, Figures 31 to 33). In the seventh embodiment, the packages C are positioned and arranged such that the sides Si of the packages in the top tier or row are positioned adjacent or in contact with the top panel 1030, and the sides of the bottom row of packages are positioned adjacent or in contact with the bottom panel 1010. The ends E of the packages are adjacent or in contact with one of the first side panel 1020 and the second side panel 1040.

The cardboard box 1005 is formed in a similar way to the cardboard boxes in the previous modalities. For example, an open-ended sleeve (not shown) can be formed by folding panels 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050 around the inside of the sleeve and adhering tie flap 1050 to the inside surface of top panel 1030. The ends 1071, 1073 of the cardboard box 1005 can be closed by folding the upper side end flaps 1022, 1042 and the lower side end flaps 1024, 1044 over the respective ends, folding up the lower end flaps 1014, and folding down the top end flaps 1032 to overlay the respective side end flaps 1022, 1042, 1024, 1044 at the respective ends. In one embodiment, the bottom end flap 1014 can be folded over the end of the carton so that the base portion 1014b is oblique to the bottom panel 1010 and aligned with the oblique edges 1013, 1017. The outer portion 1014a of the lower end flap 1014 may overlap with the lower side end flaps 1024, 1044, and the portion 1014a and flaps 1024, 1044 may be generally perpendicular to the side panels 1020, 1040, the lower panel 1010, and to bottom panel 1030. Base portion 1032b of top end flap 1032 may overlap with top side end flaps

1022, 1042 and the base portion 1032b and the upper side end flaps 1022, 1042 may extend obliquely with respect to the top panel 1030 and may be generally aligned with the oblique fold lines.

1023, 1043. The outer portion 1032a of the upper end flap 1032 may overlap the outer portion 1014a of the lower end flap 1014 and / or of the lower side end flaps 1022, 1042. One or more of the flaps of End 1014, 1022, 1024, 1032, 1042, 1044 can be secured together with an adhesive such as glue. The assembled 1005 carton is shown in the

Figures 29 and 30.

Either or both dispensers 1008 can be activated as shown in Figures 31 to 33 to at least partially remove respective dispenser panel 1141 from carton 1005 and to create a respective dispenser opening 1149 to access containers C at one end 1071. 1073 respective of the cardboard box. Distributor 1008 at first end 1071, for example, can be actuated by initiating detachment of detachment line 1143 at access feature 1147, detachment of detachment line along longitudinal portions 1145c, 1145d, and detachment. of stripping line 1143 along curved portions 1145a, 1145b on side panels 1020, 1040 as distributor panel 1141 rotates away from the remainder of carton 1005 along longitudinal portion 1145e of tear line 1143 in upper end flap 1032. As shown in Figures 31 through 33, when the dispenser panel 1141 is partially or completely removed to create the dispenser opening 1149, the carton 1005 includes a retaining portion 1151 at the bottom of the respective 1971, 1073 end of the cardboard box to retain the bottom level of packaging C at the end of the cardboard box. In one embodiment, the retention portion

1151 includes the bottom side end flaps 1024, 1044, the bottom end flap 1014, and the distal or outer portion 1032a of the top end flap 1032. As shown in Figures 32 and 33, the manifold panel 1141 can be completely removed from the remainder of carton 1005 further detaching tear line 1143 along longitudinal portion 1145e. The retention portion 1151 extends across the width of the ends 1071, 1073 of the carton and has a height to retain the end container or at least the bottom level of the packages C when the dispenser panel 1141 is removed. Retaining portion 1151 could be formed, arranged, positioned and / or configured in another manner without departing from the description. For example, the retention portion 1151 could extend through less than the full width of the ends 1071, 1073 of the carton, or the retention portion could extend upward from the bottom panel 1010 at a height sufficient to make at least partially contact with and retain end package C at the top level of carton 1005.

The preform 1003 and / or the cardboard box 1005 can be formed, arranged and / or configured in another way without departing from the description.

Figure 34 illustrates the eighth embodiment of the description including a cardboard box 1205 formed from a preform (not shown). The eighth modality is generally similar to the sixth modality and / or the seventh modality, except for the noted variations and the variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the same or similar reference numbers have been provided for similar or identical features of the embodiments. In the eighth embodiment, carton 1205 is configured to hold ten B-bottles on a single level in a grouped arrangement having two outer rows of three bottles per row and an inner row of four bottles. In one embodiment, bottles B may be arranged similarly to grouped arrangement N4 in Figure 35, except with only one inner row. The three packaging levels are arranged so that the ends close in a similar way to the first embodiment to form a central portion 1331 and two oblique portions 1333, 1335 at each end 1271, 1273 of carton 1205. Containers B can be formed, arranged, positioned and / or configured in another way without departing from the description.

As shown in Figure 34, the cardboard box 1205 includes a distributor 1208 similar to one of the distributors 1008 of the seventh embodiment or to one of the distributors 806 of the sixth embodiment. The distributor

- 50 1208 includes a distributor panel 1341 defined by a peel-off line (already removed as shown in Figure 34) with curved portions on bottom panel 1210 and top panel 1230 and oblique portions on side panel 1240. When distributor 1208 is actuated as shown in Figure 34, distributor opening 1349 is formed at the first end 1271 of the carton, on side panel 1240, on bottom panel 1210, and on top panel 1230. Cardboard box 1205, including ends 1271, 1273, and / or dispenser 1208 may be formed, arranged, positioned, and / or otherwise configured without departing from the description.

Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure may be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with, other features of other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, it is noted that the arrangements and / or the grouped characteristics of the preforms and the cardboard boxes of the various modalities can be incorporated in a cardboard box or a preform having any type of cardboard box or panel configuration. The types of cardboard boxes and panel configurations described above are included by way of example.

The preforms according to any of the embodiments of the present description can be formed, for example, of coated cardboard and similar materials. For example, the inner and / or outer sides of the preform may be lined with a clay liner. The clay liner can then be printed with product information or images, advertising, price code, and more. The preform can then be coated with a varnish to protect any printed information on the preform. The preform may also be coated, for example, with a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the preform. In accordance with the embodiments described above, the preform can be constructed of cardboard of such a gauge that it is heavier and stiffer than plain paper. The preform can also be constructed of other materials such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material that has suitable properties to allow the cardboard box to function at least generally as described herein. The preform may also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials on selected panels or panel sections.

In accordance with the previously described embodiments of the present disclosure, the fold line may be any form of substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, weakening that facilitates bending along it. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, bending lines include: a marked line, such as lines formed with a blunt marking knife or the like, which creates a broken portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that partially extends into the material along the desired weakening line and / or a series of cuts that partially extend into and / or completely through the material along the desired weakening line, and various combinations of these characteristics.

As an example, the peel line may include: a groove that partially extends into the material along the desired line of weakness and / or a series of spaced grooves that partially extend into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakening, or various combinations of these characteristics. As a more specific example, one type of breakout line is in the form of a series of spaced grooves that extend completely through the material, with adjacent grooves slightly spaced so as to define a notch (eg, a piece of material somewhat small bridge type) between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material through the peel line. The notches break during detachment along the detachment line. The notches are typically a relatively small percentage of the peel line, and alternatively the notches can be omitted or converted to a peel line such that the peel line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that each of the stripping lines is replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, the line of cut may be a continuous slit or it may be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

The above embodiments can be described as having one or more panels bonded together by glue during the assembly of the cardboard box arrangements. The term glue is intended to encompass all forms of adhesive commonly used to secure cardboard box panels in place.

The foregoing description of the description illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc. can be made to the exemplary modalities without departing from the spirit and scope of the description. All material contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be construed as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure has the ability to be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and has the ability to change or modify within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed in the present, proportional to the previous teachings and / or within the experience or knowledge of the relevant technique. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment can be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.