Retail display carton

Abstract

A carton display set within which packages are displayed. The carton is configured to be stacked one on top of another with the package indicia facing the display opening. The carton includes a top opening through which the packages are loaded in a vertical orientation. The top opening is closable by two opposing flaps adjoining along a top centerline and secured with tabs disposed on two other flaps. The carton further includes a removable portion defined by lines of weakness spanning a front panel, optionally opposing side panels, and two opposing flaps. The removable portion is removable by peeling or pulling the cutout to tear the removable portion along the lines of weakness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to cardboard boxes for shipping products. More specifically, this disclosure relates to shipping cardboard boxes that also serve as stackable display pieces in a retail environment. Background Technology

[0002] Some retail environments display certain packages (e.g., food packaging) inside cardboard boxes or containers that have been packaged for delivery on store shelves. That is, in some environments, it is convenient to accept containers with multiple packages, place the containers on shelves, and then configure the containers for display.

[0003] Some shipping cartons are configured for vertical loading. That is, the shipping container has an opening on or within its top surface through which the packaging or packaged product can be loaded from above. Thus, some shipping cartons are configured to display food packaging, such as cookie packaging, in a vertical orientation. These cartons can cause problems if the packaging is designed to be read horizontally. In other words, shipping cartons that display packaging vertically are not ideal for packaging with markings designed for horizontal reading (e.g., text or graphics identifying or promoting the product). Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure describes examples of cardboard boxes for storing, stacking, and displaying packaging. In some examples, these packages have a front display surface containing markings (e.g., text or graphics identifying and / or describing the packaged product) configured to be read in the same orientation as the packaging loaded into the cardboard box. The cardboard box includes multiple sides and panels forming the surface of the cardboard box. The cardboard box includes a bottom, a first and a second opposing side panel, a front panel extending between the two opposing side panels, and a rear panel extending between the two opposing side panels. A closable top is adjacent to the two opposing side panels, the front panel, and the rear panel. The closable top includes a first flap foldably connected to the first side panel, a second flap foldably connected to the second side panel, a rear flap foldably connected to the rear panel, and a front flap foldably connected to the front panel. The first folding wing, second folding wing, rear folding wing, and front folding wing are foldable from both the open and closed positions. In the open position, the package can be inserted into the interior of the box via the top opening, and in the closed position, the first folding wing, second folding wing, rear folding wing, and front folding wing are folded to close the top opening. The box also includes a removable portion that spans a portion of the front panel adjacent to and the entirety of the front folding wing, the removable portion being removable to form a display opening. The box is configured to display the package through the display opening when the removable portion has been removed, and wherein a lip is defined by the remaining portion of the front panel adjacent to the bottom. For example, the removable portion further spans a portion of two opposing side panels. Additionally, the front folding wing can be completely removable along with the removable portion. A portion of the first side panel and a portion of the second side panel are removed along with the removable portion. The first and second folding wing include two cutouts configured to secure the top opening using the rear folding wing and the front folding wing. The cardboard box is configured to contain at least one row of packages disposed therein. Packages can be loaded into the cardboard box vertically through a top opening. A first and second folding flap abuts across the top centerline of the cardboard box. The cardboard box can be stacked on top of a second cardboard box. In this way, either the cardboard box or the second cardboard box can be placed on top of each other without causing the bottom cardboard box to collapse.

[0005] This disclosure also describes a method of loading a shipping carton, such as a method of loading one or more shipping cartons described herein. In one example, the method includes: arranging a closable top in an open configuration; loading a package containing markings disposed thereon from above the carton into the carton via the closable top in the open configuration, the loading operation including arranging the package to form two adjacent rows of vertical packages within the carton such that the markings on the package face the front panel of the carton; folding at least two of three flaps over the top opening such that at least one flap is adjacent to at least one of the other flaps; and closing the top opening by folding the remaining flaps of the three flaps into the openings of at least two of the three flaps.

[0006] Some described methods relate to the display of a product in a shipping carton. For example, a shipping carton may include multiple rows of packages received in a vertical orientation through a top opening, the method comprising removing a removable portion from the carton by tearing along a weakening line that crosses at least a portion of a front panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a first fold, a second fold, and a forward fold; and oriented the carton in a vertical display configuration in which the multiple rows of packages are arranged side-by-side with each other. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 An example of a removable panel segment according to this disclosure is shown to display an oriented cardboard box.

[0008] Figure 2 A cardboard box loaded with products is shown according to the example described herein.

[0009] Figure 3 A cardboard box loaded with products is shown according to the example described herein.

[0010] Figure 4 A cardboard box loaded with products is shown according to the example described herein.

[0011] Figure 5 It shows what happens when the cardboard box is closed. Figure 1 The cardboard box.

[0012] Figure 6 This shows the removable panel segment being removed from the cardboard box. Figure 1 The cardboard box.

[0013] Figure 7 This shows that the removable panel segment has been completely removed, creating a display opening. Figure 1 The cardboard box.

[0014] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 The cardboard boxes, with the second cardboard box stacked together with the first cardboard box.

[0015] Figure 9 A blank that can be configured to form a cardboard box according to the example described herein is shown.

[0016] Figure 10 An example of a removable panel segment according to this disclosure is shown to display an oriented cardboard box.

[0017] Figure 11 A blank that can be configured to form a cardboard box according to the example described herein is shown.

[0018] Figure 12 The example described herein is similar to Figure 1 The cardboard box, but with a second removable section.

[0019] Figure 13 The example described herein is similar to Figure 1 The cardboard box, but with a discontinuous lip. Detailed Implementation

[0020] This disclosure describes examples of cardboard boxes, particularly shipping boxes, that display packaged products in a vertical orientation. For example, the described cardboard boxes can be used to ship various packaged products, including food packaging (e.g., packaging for cookies, crackers, potato chips, etc.), to retail stores, where they are then converted into display boxes or containers. Furthermore, the boxes can be stacked on top of each other to provide multiple display boxes or containers in a retail store.

[0021] The described carton allows packaged products to be loaded into a container in a vertical orientation, for example, through an opening at the top of the carton. The carton can be loaded manually or by machine. The carton can then be closed and secured for shipment. Upon arrival at the retail store, a display opening is formed on the carton by removing a removable panel spanning three adjacent panels across the package. The display opening reveals the packaged product stored therein. Preferably, but not necessarily, this allows the packaged product to be displayed without rotating the carton. In this way, the carton can be loaded with packaged products positioned in the same direction as the display opening, thus allowing the carton to be packaged and displayed without rotating it. This can advantageously result in less movement of the packaged product, depending on the product, thereby reducing the likelihood of breakage.

[0022] In some examples, the removable panel extends across the side portion adjacent to the top opening and the front of the carton. This allows the carton to be placed on a shelf in a vertical orientation, with the top surface facing upwards, so that the display opening faces forward and upwards. In this way, the display opening can vertically oriented showcase the packaged product. That is, the carton is configured so that vertically loaded packaged products can be placed and displayed vertically. This improves packaging costs while also enhancing the presentation of the packaged product in the shipping carton on retail shelves. In some examples, the carton configuration can also optimize packaging costs depending on the display format. In other words, this carton configuration allows the packaging process to continue using the previous top-loading packaging equipment, so that the carton is loaded vertically, while also allowing the package to be removed through the front of the carton. Therefore, the carton can be placed on a shelf or on another carton, allowing the packaged product to be removed from the front or top.

[0023] This disclosure uses terms such as orientation, direction, and / or position to describe certain components of the cartons and packages described herein. For example, this disclosure may refer to a panel of a carton as a "top" panel, a "side" panel, a "rear" panel, etc. It should be noted that the described cartons and packages can be easily moved and reoriented, such that orientation and position can change under different circumstances. Thus, components and objects identified by such terms as orientation, direction, and / or position may not literally apply to all configurations or orientations of the carton or package. Furthermore, a "top panel" may comprise more than one panel. For example, a "top panel" may comprise two opposing flaps that fold to close an opening. In some examples, a top panel may be considered as a top surface, a closed top opening, or simply the top.

[0024] Figure 1 An example is shown of a cardboard box 100 configured to display vertically loaded packages in the same orientation. The cardboard box 100 includes a front panel 112 extending along the front surface of the cardboard box 100 and side panels 110 extending along each side surface of the cardboard box 100. The side panels 110 are opposite to each other. The cardboard box 100 also includes a reference... Figure 9 The rear panel 134 is shown in more detail. The rear panel 134 is opposite the front panel 112. The cardboard box 100 also includes a closable bottom portion, which includes bottom flaps 142, such as... Figure 9 As shown.

[0025] Each side panel 110 includes a side flap 120. The side flap 120 forms a top opening 136, which is configured to receive the package upon loading. The side flap 120 folds down over the package to close the top opening 136, abutting along the top centerline 116. As used herein, the term “adjacent” means that components are adjacent to or in contact with each other; it does not necessarily form a physical connection.

[0026] The side flare 120 also includes a front cutout 122 and a rear cutout 123 or slit. More specifically, the side flare 120 includes a front cutout 122 adjacent to the front panel 112 and a rear cutout 123 adjacent to the rear panel 134, the cutouts 122 and 123 being substantially perpendicular to the top centerline 116. In some embodiments, the cutout 122 has different dimensions. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the anterior incision 122 is larger than the posterior incision 123.

[0027] The front panel 112 includes a forward fold 124. The rear panel 134 includes a rearward fold 130. When the side folds 120 and the cutouts 122 and 123 abut along the top centerline 116, the cutouts 122 and 123 provide points for securing the top opening 136 to the forward fold 124 and the rearward fold 130. Thus, the box can be formed without adhesive and can be formed manually. The tabs and cutouts allow the top opening to be closed and secured without any adhesive or additional fasteners, enabling the user to form the box, package it, and then close and secure it. In some embodiments, the top and / or bottom of the box may be closed and secured with adhesive and / or additional fasteners. In one exemplary embodiment, the bottom of the box is glued with adhesive to secure the bottom of the box, while the top of the box is secured using the folds, cutouts, and tabs described herein.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the forward fold 124 includes a tongue 126. Similarly, the rearward fold 130 includes a tongue 132. When the side folds 120 are adjacent, the tongue 126 of the forward fold 124 and the tongue 132 of the rearward fold 130 can be inserted into cutouts 122 and 123. More specifically, the tongue 126 can be inserted into the front cutout 122, and the tongue 132 can be inserted into the rear cutout 123. In this way, the top opening 136 can be secured closed without the use of adhesives or other connection methods, such as connectors, U-shaped studs, ties, straps, pins, magnets, fasteners (e.g., hook and loop fasteners), etc.

[0029] The cardboard box 100 includes a removable portion 114 defined by a weakening line 118 (which may be a scribbled line, perforation line, tear line, etc.) extending across the front panel 112, side panel 110, and side flap 120. The removable portion 114 encompasses the entire forward flap 124. The weakening line may include a series of breaks, cuts, scratches, or similar features to facilitate tearing of the removable portion 114. Thus, the removable portion 114 can be removed from the cardboard box 100 by tearing it along the weakening line 118. A front cut 122 with a tab 126 provides an initial tear point that facilitates the initial removal of the removable portion 114. For example, by providing a larger cut as the front cut 122, the front cut 122 can serve as a gripping portion that facilitates pulling or tearing the removable portion 114 from this portion of the cardboard box 100.

[0030] Once removed, the removable portion 114 provides a display opening 146 defined by the remainder of the front panel 112 and the remainder of each of the side panels 110 and side flaps 120. The remainder of the front panel 112 may be a lip, which is the portion of the front panel 112 adjacent to the bottom of the carton 100. The lip may be used to provide structural support to the carton 100 and / or to support packaging or other products stored within the carton 100 in a display configuration. In some embodiments, the lip is a continuous portion extending from a side wall to the side wall. In other embodiments, the lip may be discontinuous between the side walls; for example, the lip may be two separate portions with a space or gap between each portion. Thus, the lip can take various configurations and shapes. The display opening allows for removal of packaging from the inside while maintaining sufficient carton stackability. The display opening also allows for removal of packaging through the front and top of the carton. Thus, when multiple cartons are stacked, packaging can be removed from not only the top carton.

[0031] In some methods, the cardboard box 100 is loaded, or may be loaded with multiple packages or packaged products. Figures 2 to 4 The various stages of a technology for loading cardboard box 100 are described. Specifically, Figure 2 A carton 100 in an open or loaded configuration is shown. The carton includes side flaps 120 substantially aligned with side panel 110, rear flaps 130 substantially aligned with rear panel 134, and forward flaps 124 substantially aligned with front panel 112. A top opening 136 allows package 140 to be loaded into the carton 100 from the top. Thus, package 140 can be inserted vertically into the carton 100.

[0032] Figure 3Two rows of packages 140 are shown loaded into the carton 100 from above through the top opening 136. Each package includes a marking on its front surface. The packages 140 are loaded into the carton 100 such that their front surfaces or markings face the front panel 112 of the carton 100. Thus, the orientation or direction in which the packages 140 are loaded is the same as the orientation or direction in which the packages 140 will be displayed once the removable portion 114 is removed in a retail setting.

[0033] Figure 4 A package 140 is shown loaded into a carton 100 in two rows through a top opening 136. While the figures illustrate that the package 140 is always loaded in two rows, this disclosure contemplates one or more rows of packages 140 arranged within the carton 100. In some examples, more or fewer rows of packages may be loaded therein, depending on the shape, size, and structure of the package 140 and / or the carton 100. For example, in some configurations, the carton 100 may be loaded with only one row of packages 140. In other configurations, three, four, or more rows of packages may be loaded into the carton 100. In such configurations, the carton 100 will display three or four rows of packages 140 loaded therein in a display configuration.

[0034] Packaging 140 can be used Figure 4 The paper is loaded into the cardboard box 100 as shown until the desired capacity is met (e.g., until the cardboard box 100 is full or nearly full), after which the top opening 136 of the cardboard box can be closed and secured. For example, Figure 1 A side flap 120 is shown folded over the tab 126 and adjacent to the top centerline 116. A forward flap 124 and a rearward flap 130 can be folded downward toward the top centerline 116. Once folded downward, as described above, the tab 126 can be inserted into the front cutout 122, and the tab 132 can be inserted into the rear cutout 123 to close and secure the top opening 136. This process can be done by machine or manually. Because the carton is configured to close without the use of adhesives or fasteners, the process can be done entirely manually. In some examples, part of the process is done by machine, while the remainder is done manually.

[0035] It should be pointed out that, Figures 2 to 4 An example of a cardboard box 100 according to the embodiments described herein is depicted; however, the process depicted in these figures can be applied to other embodiments. In practice, this process is currently used for loading existing cardboard boxes, but unlike the technology described herein, such existing cardboard boxes cannot also serve as display boxes that display package 140 in a vertically stacked configuration, while providing display openings 146 across side panels 110, side flaps 120, and front panel 112.

[0036] As noted above, the removable portion 114 is removed from the carton 100 to create a display opening 146 through which the package 140 can be displayed and removed, for example, by a consumer in a retail environment. Figure 6 An example of a paper tray 100 is shown when the removable portion 114 is being removed from the front surface of the paper tray 100. Figure 5 The diagram shows a weakening line 118, in which a removable portion 114 is being removed from the cardboard box 100, thereby facilitating the removal of the packaging 140. The removable portion 114 is separated from the cardboard box 100 by peeling or pulling along the weakening line 118 at the front cut 122, thereby removing the removable portion 114.

[0037] The cardboard box 100 is configured to close without the use of adhesive. Thus, the cardboard box 100 can be formed and closed by hand. The bottom fold 142, discussed below, can be folded in such a way that the bottom of the cardboard box is closed without the use of adhesive. This allows the cardboard box 100 to be formed by hand because no adhesive or other fasteners are required. Once the bottom fold 142 is formed together, the top opening 136 can be closed and secured by the side folds 120, the rear fold 130, and the front fold 124. More specifically, the top opening 136 of the cardboard box 100 can be secured by tabs 126 and 132 inserted into the cuts 122 and 123. Similarly, the cardboard box 100 can be manually packaged. After the bottom of the cardboard box 100 is formed, the user can place the package 140 into the cardboard box 100 by inserting or placing the package 140 into the cardboard box 100 through the top opening 136.

[0038] Figure 7A display configuration is shown of a carton 100 in which the removable portion 114 has been completely removed, creating a display opening 146. In the display configuration, the carton 100 rests on its bottom with the front panel 112 facing forward. The display opening 146, which includes a portion of the front panel 112 and a portion of each of the side panels 110 and side flaps 120, is generally large enough to allow the package 140 within the carton 100 to be removed, for example, by a consumer in a retail environment. In this embodiment, the width of the display opening 146 is generally consistent along the portion spanning between the front panel 112 and the side panels 110. In some examples, the package 140 may need to be arranged or angled to comfortably fit the opening 146. In other examples, the package 140 may be flexible, allowing it to be slightly squeezed or deformed to facilitate removal through the display opening 146. The position of the cuts and corresponding tabs (i.e., the front cut and the front tab) can adjust the size of the display opening. For example, if the front cut extends further back toward the rear cut, the display opening will be a larger opening at the top of the box. Conversely, if the front cut is closer to the front panel, the display opening at the top of the box will be smaller. This can be adjusted as needed to allow the box to have sufficient strength and rigidity to stack on top of other boxes and on top of other boxes.

[0039] like Figure 8 As shown, some examples of the cardboard boxes 100 described herein can be stacked one on top of the other when in a display configuration. The cardboard boxes 100 can be stacked one on top of the other in such a way that access to the packages 140 stored within each of the cardboard boxes 100 is still permitted. That is, the cardboard boxes can be arranged such that once the removable portion 114 is removed, the packages 140 within the lower cardboard box 100 can be removed through the display opening 146 of the lower cardboard box. Thus, the cardboard box 100 is configured to have structural strength to support the weight of any additional cardboard boxes with the removable portion 114 removed. Furthermore, the cardboard box 100 is also configured such that even after the removable portion 114 has been removed, the remaining portions of the side panels 110 and the side flaps 120 provide sufficient surface to support the stacking of other cardboard boxes 100.

[0040] Figure 9A blank 101 is shown as an example of a blank that can be configured to form a carton 100. The blank 101 includes a rear panel 134 at one end, having a rearward flap 130 and a tab 132 extending from the rear panel 134, and one of two bottom flaps 142 extending on the opposite side. Attached to the rear panel 134 is one of the side panels 110. Extending from the side panel 110 is a side flap 120 including a portion of a front cutout 122 and a rear cutout 123, and one of two bottom flaps 142 extending on the opposite side. A front panel 112 is attached to both side panels 110. A forward flap 124 including a tab 126 extends from the front panel 112, and one of the bottom flaps 142 extends on the opposite side. Finally, the other side flap 120 is attached to the front panel 112. Extending from the side panel 110 are side flaps 120 including portions of a front cutout 122 and a rear cutout 123, and extending on the opposite side are one of the bottom flaps 142, and a connecting portion 128 extends from the side panel 110. The connecting portion 128 is used to help form the carton by allowing the end side panel 110 to be connected to the rear panel 134. The bottom of the carton includes bottom flaps 142, which close together to secure the bottom of the carton 100.

[0041] As shown, the weakening line 118 spans a portion of each of the side flaps 120, a portion of each side flap 120, and the front panel 112. Additionally, the weakening line completely surrounds the forward flap 124. The weakening line 118 defines a removable portion 114. As described above, the side flaps 120 abut to close the top opening 136, and the rear flap 130 and the forward flap 124 join together to secure the top opening 136 via a tab 126 inserted into the front cutout 122 and a tab 123 inserted into the rear cutout 123. As shown, the blank and the resulting carton are configured to be formed, packaged, closed, and secured without the use of adhesives or connectors. This allows the carton to be formed, packaged, closed, and secured by hand without the use of machines. While the ability to form, package, close, and secure by hand is available, machines can also be used in any part or throughout the process.

[0042] Conventional cardboard boxes, such as the RSC cardboard box, include a main flap, namely the side flap disclosed herein, and secondary flaps, namely the forward flap and the backward flap disclosed herein. During the packing, closing, and securing of the RSC cardboard box, the secondary flaps are folded closed, then the main flaps are folded closed, and the packing (such as with tape) is secured. This contrasts with the example cardboard box described herein, where the side flaps (i.e., the main flaps) are folded below the forward flaps and the backward flaps (i.e., the secondary flaps). In this way, the secondary flaps can be used to secure the main flaps and the cardboard box as a whole to close the opening of the cardboard box. This allows the cardboard box to be secured in a closed configuration without adhesive; however, as described above, adhesives may be used alternatively or additionally.

[0043] Figure 10 and Figure 11 An embodiment of cardboard box 150 is shown, which includes a removable portion 114 spanning a front panel 112 and side flaps 120. Cardboard box 150 is similar to cardboard box 100 in its intended benefits, structure, and modifications. In this embodiment, and Figure 11 In the corresponding blank, the weak portion 118 extends from the front cutout 122 to the fold between the side panel 110 and the side wing 120, and extends to the front panel 112. The removable portion 114 creates a display opening 146 with a width smaller than the width of the front panel 112 when it is removed. Thus, the lip defined by the rest of the front panel 112 extends in a substantially U-shape along the front panel 112.

[0044] Figure 12 An alternative to the carton 100 described herein is illustrated, but with the addition of a second weakening line extending from the front cutout 122. The second weakening line extends toward the rear fold 130. Thus, after the removable portion 114 has been removed and the packaging 140 from within the carton 100 has been removed, the second weakening line allows the user to access the packaging 140 located at the rear of the carton 100. The second weakening line may extend to the rear cutout 123, or in some embodiments, extend beyond the rear cutout 123 and include a portion of the rear fold 130. The second weakening line extends on the side fold 120 such that, when removed, a portion of the side fold 120 is removed.

[0045] Figure 13 An alternative to the carton 100 described herein is illustrated, but includes a discontinuous lip, i.e., the remainder of the front panel 112 comprises more than one section. This allows for a larger display opening 146 while retaining the package 140 within the carton 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the portion of the front panel 112 consists of two separate pieces (not shown) terminating at the edge between the front panel 112 and the bottom wing 142; however, various shapes, configurations, and remainders are contemplated herein.

[0046] Some examples described herein present cartons, boxes, containers, etc. In some examples, carton 100 is configured to store and display package 140. Package 140 may contain food packaging such as cookies, crackers, potato chips, etc. Carton 100 may be rectangular or box-shaped, having six surfaces or sides, including opposing top / bottom surfaces, opposing front / rear surfaces, and opposing right / left surfaces (or first / second surfaces).

[0047] An exemplary cardboard box 100 includes a bottom, a first opposing side panel and a second opposing side panel 110, a front panel 112 extending between the two opposing side panels 110, and a rear panel 134 extending between the two opposing side panels 110. The cardboard box 100 also includes a closable top adjacent to the two opposing side panels 110, the front panel 112, and the rear panel 134. The closable top includes a first flap 120 foldably connected to the first side panel 110, a second flap 120 foldably connected to the second side panel 110, a rear flap 130 foldably connected to the rear panel 134, and a forward flap 124 foldably connected to the front panel 112. The first folding wing 120, the second folding wing 120, the rear folding wing 130, and the front folding wing 124 are foldable from the open position and the closed position. In the open position, the package 140 can be inserted into the interior of the carton through the top opening 136, and in the closed position, the first folding wing 120, the second folding wing 120, the rear folding wing 130, and the front folding wing 124 are folded to close the top opening 136.

[0048] The carton 100 also includes a removable portion 114 that spans a portion of two opposing side panels 110, a portion of the adjacent forward fold 124 of the front panel 112, and at least a portion of the forward fold 124. The removable portion 114 is removable from the carton 100 to form a display opening 146. The carton 100 is configured to display the package 140 through the display opening 146 when the removable portion 114 has been removed, and the lip is defined by the remaining portion of the front panel 112 adjacent to the bottom. In one embodiment, the removable portion 114 includes the entire forward fold 124, and the forward fold 124, together with the removable portion 114, is fully removable.

[0049] When the removable portion 114 is removed, a portion of the first side panel 110 and a portion of the second side panel 110 are removed together with the removable portion 114. This can be, for example, at an angle of approximately 45 degrees; however, this angle can be varied depending on how much top length is desired to be removed from the side panels 110 while maintaining sufficient strength and rigidity to allow stacking of boxes with the removable portion 114 removed. The removable portion 114 is defined by a weakening line 118 that spans the two opposing side panels 110, the front panel 112, and at least a portion of the first and second flaps 120. In some embodiments, the weakening line 118 extends beyond the front cutout 122.

[0050] Any of the aforementioned dimensions are for illustrative purposes only. The top length of the remaining side panel 110 after the removable portion 114 is removed is between approximately 70% and 90%, and may be approximately 80% to 85% or 83%. This results in approximately 30% to 10%, 15% to 20%, or approximately 17% of the top length of the side panel 110 being removed along with the removable portion 114. Approximately 30% to 50% or approximately 40% of the side length of the front panel 112 is removed along with the removable portion 114. This results in approximately 70% to 50% or approximately 60% of the side length of the front panel 112 remaining after the removal of the removable portion. The remaining lip after the removal of the removable portion 114 is approximately 20% to 40%, or approximately 30%, of the side length of the front panel 112. After the removal of the removable portion 114, the remaining portion of the side panel 110 can be modified to support the carton 100 when stacked. This disclosure envisions a correlation between the top length of the remaining side panel 110 after the removable portion 114 has been removed and the side length of the front panel 112, as well as an uncorrelated ratio between these lengths.

[0051] In some examples, the lip created by removing the removable portion 114 is configured to hold the package placed inside the carton. Furthermore, the first and second flaps 120 include two cuts 122 and 123 configured to secure the top opening 136 using a rear flap 130 and a front flap 124. As described above, one of the two cuts (i.e., the front cut 122) is larger than the other cut (i.e., the rear cut 123). The first and second flaps 120 contain the two cuts 122 and 123, which fold to abut across the top centerline 116. The front flap 124 includes a tab 126 configured to be inserted into the front cut 122 to secure the tab 126. Similarly, the rear flap 130 includes a tab 132 configured to be inserted into the rear cut 123 to secure the top opening 136.

[0052] In some other examples, the display opening 146 spans the two side panels 110, the front panel 112, and the closable top. The display opening 146 is large enough to allow removal of the package 140 through it. Thus, the carton 100 may include a first row of packages 140 and an adjacent second row of packages 140, which are received in a vertical orientation (e.g., upright) through the top opening 136. Each of the packages 140 has a marking on its front surface, and the top opening 136 is configured to receive two adjacent rows of vertically oriented packages such that the markings on the front surfaces of the packages face the front panel 112 of the carton 100. The carton 100 may be stacked on top of a second carton. The second carton may be placed on top of the carton 100 without causing the carton 100 to collapse.

[0053] This disclosure also relates to a method for loading a shipping carton (e.g., any of the exemplary cartons described herein). The method includes arranging a closable top (i.e., side flaps 120, rear flaps 130, and front flaps 124) in an open configuration. In some examples, the side flaps 120, rear flaps 130, and front flaps 124 may initially be separate, such that this separation step is involved in the action of delivering the carton.

[0054] The method also includes loading package 140 into carton 100 through top opening 136. Package 140 may be loaded from above carton 100 in a vertical orientation. For example, package 140 may be arranged vertically and loaded into carton 100 such that markings on package 140 face front panel 112. Loading may also include arranging package 140 in two adjacent rows.

[0055] After loading, the side flaps 120 can be folded over the top opening 136, such that the side flaps 120 are adjacent to the top centerline 116. That is, the side flaps 120 can be folded over the top opening 136 to close the top opening 136 in which the package is stored. The top opening 136 and the side flaps 120 can be secured by folding down the forward flap 124 and the rear flap 130. In this way, the tabs 126 and 132 can be inserted into the front cutout 122 and the rear cutout 123 to secure the carton 100.

[0056] The cartons can then be shipped to, for example, a retail environment to showcase the configured arrangement of the cartons. Alternatively, the cartons can be arranged to stack on top of a second carton. Then, removable portions can be removed to reveal the vertically arranged packaging within the cartons.

[0057] This disclosure also describes an example of a method for displaying a product in a shipping carton. The method involves displaying a package 140 that has been loaded into one of the described cartons and subsequently closed. Specifically, the method involves displaying packages already loaded in at least one vertical row in the carton. At least one row of packages 140 is received into the carton in a vertical orientation through a top opening 136. The method involves removing a removable portion 114 from the carton 100 by tearing along a weakening line 118 that crosses at least a portion of the front panel 112, the first side panel 110, the second side panel 110, and the side flaps 120, the rear flap 130, and the front flap 124. The method also involves oriented the carton 100 in a vertical display configuration, wherein at least one row of packages 140 is arranged side-by-side with respect to each other.

[0058] The method may include initiating the tearing of the removable portion 114 by pushing or inserting the user's hand into the front slit 122 and pulling the removable portion 114. The removable portion 114 is torn along the weak point 118 of the carton 100. Once torn, the removable portion 114 can be removed, creating a display opening 146. The display opening 146 displays markings on the packaging 140 and allows the packaging 140 to be removed through it.

[0059] This disclosure describes preferred embodiments and examples of the present technology. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims, and such modifications, alterations, and combinations will be considered to fall within the scope of the inventive concept. Furthermore, it should be understood that features of one embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments to provide other embodiments as needed. All references cited in this disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A cardboard box for storing and displaying multiple packages, the cardboard box comprising: bottom; Opposite first side panel and second side panel; A front panel extending between two opposing side panels and a rear panel extending between the two opposing side panels; A closable top is adjacent to the two opposing side panels, the front panel, and the rear panel. The closable top includes a first folding wing foldably connected to the first side panel, a second folding wing foldably connected to the second side panel, a rear folding wing foldably connected to the rear panel, and a front folding wing foldably connected to the front panel. The first folding wing, the second folding wing, the rear folding wing, and the front folding wing are foldable from an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the package can be inserted into the interior of the carton through the top opening, and in the closed position, the first folding wing, the second folding wing, the rear folding wing, and the front folding wing are folded to close the top opening. as well as A removable portion, spanning a portion of the front panel adjacent to and including the entirety of the forward flare, is removable to form a display opening. The cardboard box is configured to display the package through the display opening when the removable portion has been removed, and the lip is defined by the remainder of the front panel adjacent to the bottom.

2. The cardboard box of claim 1, wherein the removable portion further extends across a portion of the two opposing side panels.

3. The cardboard box of claim 1, wherein the forward flap, together with the removable portion, is completely removable.

4. The cardboard box of claim 2, wherein a portion of the first side panel and a portion of the second side panel are removed together with the removable portion.

5. The carton of claim 1, wherein the lip is configured to retain packaging placed within the carton.

6. The cardboard box of claim 1, wherein the first wing and the second wing comprise two slits configured to secure the top opening using the rearward wing and the forward wing.

7. The cardboard box according to claim 6, wherein one of the two cuts is larger than the other cut.

8. The cardboard box of claim 1, wherein the display opening spans the two side panels, the front panel, and the closable top.

9. The cardboard box of claim 1, wherein the display opening is large enough to allow the packaging to be removed through the display opening.

10. The carton of claim 1, wherein the carton comprises a first row of packages and an adjacent second row of packages, the first row of packages and the second row of packages being received into the carton in a vertical orientation through the top opening.

11. The carton of claim 10, wherein each of the packages has a mark on the front surface of the package, wherein the top opening is configured to receive two adjacent rows of vertically oriented packages such that the mark on the front surface of the package faces the front panel of the carton.

12. The cardboard box of claim 1, wherein the first wing and the second wing contain two slits that are folded together to abut across the top centerline.

13. The cardboard box of claim 12, wherein the two cuts comprise a front cut and a rear cut.

14. The carton of claim 13, wherein the forward flap includes a front tongue configured to be inserted into the front cutout to secure the top opening.

15. The carton of claim 13, wherein the rearward flap includes a rear tongue configured to be inserted into the rear cutout to secure the top opening.

16. The cardboard box of claim 1, wherein the cardboard box is stackable on a second cardboard box.

17. The cardboard box of claim 16, wherein the second cardboard box can be placed on top of the cardboard box without causing the cardboard box to collapse.

18. The cardboard box of claim 1, wherein the removable portion is defined by a weakening line that spans at least a portion of the two opposing side panels, the front panel, and the first flap and the second flap.

19. A method of loading a cardboard box according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: The closable top is arranged in an open configuration; The loading operation involves loading a package containing a mark disposed thereon into the carton from above by means of the closable top in the open configuration, the loading operation comprising arranging the package to form two adjacent rows of vertical packages within the carton such that the mark on the package faces the front panel of the carton; Fold at least two of the three flaps over the top opening such that at least one flap is adjacent to at least one of the other flaps; as well as The top opening is closed by folding the remaining flap of the three flaps into the openings in at least two of the three flaps.

20. A method of displaying packaging in a cardboard box according to claim 1, wherein the cardboard box comprises multiple rows of packaging received in the cardboard box through the top opening in a vertical orientation, the method comprising: The removable portion is removed from the cardboard box by tearing it along a weakening line that crosses at least a portion of the front panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the first wing, the second wing, and the forward wing. as well as The cardboard boxes are oriented in a vertical display configuration, wherein the multiple rows of packages are arranged side by side with each other.

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